(a) the details of communal violence which took place in deferent States during the last one year;
(b) the basic causes of these incidents of communal violence;
(c) whether the Union Government had any discussion with the Government of Kerala regarding rehabilitation of the victims of the communal violence in Marad in Kerala and also the nature of inquiry being held into this incident; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI SWAMI CHINMAYANAND)
(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 127 FOR 29.07.2003 REGARDING COMMUNAL VIOLENCE
(a) & (b): 684 communal incidents have been reported to have taken place in the country during the last one year (July 2002-June 2003). There are several causative factors for such incidents including religious disputes and provocative actions by members of one community against another, land/property disputes, rivalry between criminal gangs of two communities and personal enmities etc. which acquire a communal tone.
(c) & (d): Yes, Sir. Shri I.D. Swami, Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs visited the affected areas of Marad Beach (Kerala) on 5th and 6th May, 2003 and also held discussions with the Chief Minister of Kerala. During the discussions the State Government was advised to initiate confidence building measures to restore communal harmony, strengthen security arrangements in the communally sensitive areas, sanction ex-gratia relief in case of those killed or injured in the violence and also consider grant of compensation for loss or damage to property/belongings suffered by the residents . The Chief Minister assured that all requisite steps will be taken in this regard. The State Government has also ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident.