After communal clashes in Uttar Pradesh claimed more than 40 lives, home minister Sushilkumar Shinde did not rule out the role of political parties behind the riots witnessed in Muzaffarnagar and warned of more communal flare-ups in the country ahead of the 2014 general elections.
Indicating that some political parties could be behind the communal violence in UP, Mr Shinde said, “I cannot say about political conspiracies till I get a complete report about the violence (in Muzaffarnagar). But political parties could indulge in.”
The home minister’s comment came in response to questions on whether there was any political conspiracy behind the Muzaffarnagar riots. Mr Shinde further said that the central government has already warned 11 states about possible communal violence ahead of 2014 general election and asked them to remain alert about such designs.
“As we approach towards the election, we may witness more such communal violence. We have alerted 11 states,” he said without elaborating. However, the MHA has received intelligence reports warning of communal tension in various states and the possibility of certain outfits trying to stoke the unrest. Ahead of the communal violence in UP, the MHA had sent repeated advisories to the state government asking it to beef up security and take adequate measures to avoid clashes between communities. Sources in the ministry said the advice went unheeded with little or no measures being taken on the ground which allowed the situation to go out control in Muzaffarnagar.
The home minister, however, refused to blame the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party government for the riots in western Uttar Pradesh, saying situation there has improved considerably now. “80 companies (8,000 personnel) of paramilitary forces were deployed (in UP). Army was also deployed. Curfew has been relaxed now. Situation is improving,” he said.
Curfew has been relaxed in some parts of Muzaffarnagar district. Meanwhile, strict vigil is being maintained during the relaxation period and police and paramilitary forces continue to remain on high alert.