The National Integration Council, NIC has condemned all forms of violence intended to disturb communal harmony in the country. In a resolution passed in its meeting in New Delhi yesterday, the Council has sought prompt action against those indulging in it. The meeting resolved that the government and all stakeholders will take every step for resolving differences and disputes among the people within the legal framework. The Council condemned sexual abuse and violence against women, seeking firm action against the culprits and their speedy prosecution.
Earlier, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said that states should crackdown on elements responsible for creating communal violence irrespective of their political affiliations or influence. He asked parties to refrain from taking advantage of communal violence. In his concluding remarks, Dr Singh pitched for promoting an atmosphere conducive to communal harmony. The Prime Minister stressed on the need to prevent atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, eradicate manual scavenging and stop violence against women.

Briefing reporters at the end of the meeting, Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said that the government will expedite the enactment of Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence law.

Our correspondent looks on the highlights of the meeting.In the meeting convened in the backdrop of violent clashes in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, there was unanimity on the need for promoting communal harmony and preventing atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The role of social media in fanning hatred during troubled times also came in for sharp focus in the meeting and it was agreed to have a system to check misuse of social networking sites. The Council expressed concern over the increasing incidents of crimes against women and passed a resolution to ensure prompt and firm action against the culprits and speedy prosecution of such cases.