PM's warning ineffective

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rightly said that violence in the name of religion is intolerable. But this is not the first time that PM has warned perpetrators of violence in the name of religion. His warning has been ineffective. It is almost six months back that PM had depicted so-called Gaurakshak in a very bad way and warned them that if they did not stop their violence in the name of religion, they would be duly punished. PM Modi in his address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort had warned perpetrators of violence in society in the name of religion. He has also said the same in his favourite monthly Radio Programme Man Ki Bat has strongly warned the promoters of violence in the name of religion. But his purpose of warning remained of no consequences. PM rightly said that irrespective of who they are and what they are all perpetrators of violence will be dealt with as per the law of the land. Since the Narendra Modi-led NDA govt. came to power, one thing is certain and visible to all that the so-called Gau Rakshak and Hindu chauvinist got a shot in their arm. They have become emboldened and started targeting the people of other religion in the name beef and other religious considerations. India is a secular democratic republic in which people of all religions have equal rights. Govt. cannot interfere in religious affairs of a private individual. All are free in India to practise the religion of their belief and choice. The secular fabric of the country has to be kept intact. The increasing violence in the country has also let it down before foreigners. It would be meaningful if PM Modi got his statement and warning against the perpetrators of violence in the name of religion translated on the ground. Mere issuing hard statement cannot serve any purpose. PM must ensure that no crime is committed in the name of religion. This country belongs to Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian and people of all other religions equally. There is no majoritarian rule here. So, violence in the name of religion is not permissible. Law and order is a state subject. So, the state must also be held guilty if it fails to act against arson and violence by the followers of controversial godman. The Punjab and Haryana High Court's observation against Haryana Govt. for its utter failure to check violence in Panchkula by the followers of Ram Rahim, who was convicted in a rape case, is a blot on Manohar Lal Khattar govt. As there is BJP govt. in the state and at the Centre, PM must take serious note of the situation in Sirsa after the CBI court's verdict came out against the godman. The govt. irrespective of the political affiliation must act against violence in the name of religion. It is the duty of the govt. to provide safety and security to the people. But for the sake of vote bank politics, the innocent people are made to suffer. So, Mr. Prime Minister whatever happened after the CBI court judge delivered judgement against Dera Chief Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim is intolerable for any civilized society. The followers of Baba held the town of Panchkula to ransom and resorted to violence, arson and setting vehicles on fire only because he was convicted in the rape case. The Haryana police were standing as mute spectators to the naked dance of violence by Baba's followers. Around 30 people were killed and 250 were injured.