Muzaffarnagar clashes: Akhilesh warns strict action against guilty

Lucknow, Sept 10: Under fire over the Muzaffarnagar clashes which have claimed 38 lives, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday said efforts were being made to ensure there were no more violent incidents and warned strict action against those found guilty for the communal flare-up.

"The government would deal strictly with all those who have tried to create communal chasm and harm the atmosphere of Muzaffarnagar and Uttar Pradesh," Yadav told reporters after the state cabinet meeting here.

"It would be our efforts that the communal amity is strengthened and no new incidents are allowed to take place in areas where situation has been brought under control," he said.

The chief minister said that directives have been issued to the officials.

The chief minister said that the Muzaffarnagar issue was discussed in the cabinet meeting and assured that efforts were being made by the government, security personnel and officers to ensure that the communal hatred is not allowed to spread.

"We have got information that many people have left there homes and villages. They have to return...it would be my appeal that brotherhood should remain intact", he said.

To a question on the arrest of those named in the FIRs including some leaders, he said whatever decision has to be taken in this regard would be taken by the local administration.

The chief minister said that directives have been issued to the officials present there to take help of the central forces to maintain peace in the rural areas.

PTI