Centre directs Maharashtra to protect migrants

After criticism of the Mumbai violence against north Indians Centre has directed the State governments to protect the migrants against such violent attack. Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil expressed this in Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

Showing displeasure over the happenings by the supporters of Maharashtra Navinirman Sena, Mr. Patil hailed that our constitution enshrine our right to go and work anywhere in India.

“Every citizen of the country has right to go and work anywhere in the country. It is not just a constitutional right, but part of our composite culture as well,” he added.

Taking strongly on the state for its inaction in taking prompt action to quash the violence, he said, “If the Maharashtra government does not act, we will tell them; we will not just tell but also keep a watch on what they do.”

Earlier house proceedings was adjourned thrice after members demanded action against Raj Thackeray allegedly for inciting his supporters to led anti-north Indian violence in the state.

But the Union Home Minister appreciated the people of Maharashtra and the government there for not supporting anti-north Indian campaign, he informed the house that Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act 1999 was in operation in the state and that the state has filed as many as 300 cases against 1500 people considerable offences and preventive action against 5,000 people.

Patil said the Centre will ensure that no forced migration take place anywhere in the country and it might give a wrong impression to other part of the country.

Pointing towards Raj’s statement that Biharis will not be allowed to perform Chath Puja he said, “No one can stop these celebrations and action will be taken if anybody tries to do so. All festivals are celebrated by the people across the country and that is the strength of our culture,”

Earlier in February Raj Thackerays supporters took the whole nation by storm after attacking the poor migrants of the two states UP and Bihar living in Maharashtra. Raj defended his statement which flared up the incidents that he was doing it for the pride of Maharashtra Manoos.

A session court in Mumbai had prohibited Raj from holding rallies, public meetings and addressing the media.