Moily justifies violence prevention Bill, says it's necessary to prevent communalism

Mangalore, September 11: Corporate Affairs Minister M Veerappa Moily on Sunday said that the Congress was determined to take forward the communal violence prevention bill despite objections from the opposition, as it was necessary to prevent State Governments from pursuing anti-minority policies.

Addressing the media persons at Circuit House in the city, the Minister pointed out the suspicious steps taken by the respective State Governments during the Gujarat massacre, communal violence in Mumbai and riots in Dakshina Kannada district.

“We have experienced the anti-minority and communal move by the State Governments during chaotic periods. There is always a danger of communal riots turning into targeted violence and massacres, he said.

“We do not want any state government not to be accountable for the kind of things that happened in the past,” Mr Moily said, in an apparent reference to the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat in 2002.

When communal violence erupts and State Government fails to stop the communal elements in the majority community targeting helpless minorities, a powerful arm like Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence Bill-2011, is necessary in the hands of Centre to intervene and bring the situation under control, he pointed out.

The minister said the bill would make governments or individuals accountable. However, he clarified that the Bill would not weaken the autonomy of the States.