Govt will not withdraw communal violence bill: Moily

Babu Thomas
The government will not withdraw the Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence Bill 2011, Corporate Affairs Minister M Veerappa Moily said on Sunday.

At a press conference in Mangalore, Moily said there was a national consensus on the government bringing the bill. 

The draft bill has been debated at various levels, including the parliamentary standing committee, he informed.

The opposition from some quarters will not thwart efforts to bring the bill. The introduction of the bill was inevitable in the present circumstances, he said.

“I am sure that even the hardcore elements among the Saffron outfits including RSS want communal amity,” media quoted the former law minister as saying.

Urging for expediting the process in enacting the bill, members of the National Advisory Council (NAC) last week demanded the tabling of the bill in the winter session of the Parliament.

Farah Naqvi and Harsh Mander told a meeting “If the UPA was sincere, they should do it now.”

The proposed communal violence bill, prepared by the NAC, intends to prevent and control targeted violence against the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and religious and linguistic minorities. 

The bill drew criticism from BJP and some non-NDA parties who have warned of serious consequences.

BJP leader Murli Monohar Joshi on Sunday termed the bill ‘draconian’, and said his party would oppose if the bill is introduced in the winter session.

The proposed bill was aimed at dividing the society into majority’ and minority’, he said.

“BJP would oppose it tooth and nail and also would not allow it to be passed,” he added. 

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Source: Christian Today India
Date: November 23, 2011