Taking strong exception to states randomly detaining youth belonging to the minority community for their alleged role in terror cases, Congress MLA R. Roshan Baig launched a scathing attack on the BJP government in Karnataka for ‘mismanagement of terror cases’. He did not spare Congress governments in other states either. Mr Baig made the remarks at a programme organised by the Minority Development Corporation to distribute self employment loan cheques among the poor. Several youth in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh were arrested recently for allegedly plotting to kill prominent personalities including journalists.
Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar who was present, defended his government saying the police had not filed false cases nor was it pursuing vindictive policies against any community. “The police is doing its duty impartially. I assure you no innocent member of the minority community will be arrested,” he declared. Mr Baig argued that the minority community, like the majority, was against terrorism and it was unfair to pinpoint them. He said parents of Muslim youth fear for their sons when they go out to work and are worried if they will return or land in custody.