Question : Communal Violence

(a) whether the Government is aware that communal violence has risen by 28% from 2014 to 2017;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c) the special measures taken by the Government to tackle and mitigate communal violence;

(d) whether the Government has taken specific action in the five States that have contributed the most to communal violence statistics i.e. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Karnataka and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the efforts being made to check communal violence/tension including communal tension that may arise due to polarizing statements made by politicians in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a) to (e): “Public Order” and “Police” are State subjects as per the provisions of the Constitution. The responsibility of dealing with offences including communal violence / polarizing statements primarily rests with the respective State Governments. There are adequate provisions under the Indian Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code to enoff State Governments to deal with such matters.



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L.S.US.Q.NO.156 FOR 11.12.2018


As per available information, State-wise details of the number of communal incidents reported in the country including the States of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Karnataka, during the years 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 are enclosed at Annexure.

To maintain communal harmony in the country, the Central Government assists the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations in a variety of ways like sharing of intelligence, sending alert messages, advisories etc. from time to time on matters having bearing on communal harmony. On the requests of the States/Union Territories, Central Government sends Central Armed Police Forces, including the composite Rapid Action Force, created specially to deal with such situations to assist the States/UTs.

The Central Government issued revised Communal Harmony Guidelines, which, inter-alia, lay down standard operating procedures to deal with the situations arising out of communal violence. These guidelines are aimed to maintain due vigilance, careful planning and preparatory measures to prevent and pre-empt potential communal violence. These guidelines are reiterated from time to time, particularly prior to various festivals, with the objective of sensitization of States/UTs.
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