(a) the number of Communal Riots took place in the country during 2007;
(b) the names of the places where these Riots took place, State-wise;
(c) the number of persons killed/injured and property damaged in such riots; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to prevent such incidents in the future?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI SRIPRAKASH JAISWAL)
(a) to (c): `Public Order` and `Police` are State subjects as per the provisions of the
Constitution of India and the State Governments are primarily responsible for registration,
investigation of crime and maintenance of law and order. However, as per information available
in this Ministry, State-wise details of number of communal incidents and the persons killed and
injured therein during the year 2007 (January-April) are as given in the Annexure.
(d): To prevent communal riots in the country the Union Government assists the State
Governments/Union Territory Administrations in a variety of ways like sharing of intelligence,
sending alert messages, sending central para-military Forces to the concerned State Governments
on specific request including the composite Rapid Action Force which has been created specially
to deal with communal situations and in the modernization of the State Police Forces. In
addition, the Union Government sends advisories and guidelines in this regard from time to time. The activities of all organizations having a bearing on communal harmony in the country are under constant watch of law enforcement agencies and requisite legal action is taken, wherever necessary.
The Union Government has also introduced a Bill titled ‘The Communal Violence(Prevention, Control and Rehabilitation of Victims) Bill, 2005’ in Rajya Sabha to address all
aspects of the issue of communal violence.