The latest Intelligence Bureau report received by the state government through the Union home ministry has warned about possible communal flareups in Dhule, Miraj, Ichalkaranji, Nanded, Malegaon and Beed. Home minister R.R. Patil confirmed receiving an IB report on possible communal tension in certain parts of the state, but refused to share any information about it.
The source from IB, on condition of anonymity, said that Dhule and Miraj are already on the list of sensitive districts. “Now, Malegaon, Nanded, Ichalkanagi and Beed have been included in the list of communally sensitive places in Maharashtra,” he said.
According to the source, the IB has pointed out that at least 50 districts across 13 states are “highly prone and sensitive to communal riots in the next year’s Lok Sabha elections”. Both political parties and anti-social elements will try to take advantage of the situation, the source added.
When asked about the report, Mr Patil admitted that he received it; however, he refused to elaborate on it.
“Such information can’t be shared. It will be discussed in the National Integration Council (NIC) meeting, so it would be inappropriate to talk about it before the meeting,” said the state home minister said.
The report will be discussed in the NIC meeting on Monday that will focus on increasing incidents of communal riots across the country and threat from inland anti-social element.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will chair the NIC meeting at New Delhi.