The first few months of the young Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Akhilesh Yadav, in office have witnessed two communal riots – one in Kosi Kalan and the other in Asthan village of Pratapgarh district. In Asthan village 49 out of 60 houses of Muslims were burnt to ashes and their properties and livestock were looted and destroyed. This is highly deplorable and condemnable. The Chief Minister should issue a high-level enquiry into the tragic incident and tell the world who the culprits behind these riots are (the hand of a BSP leader was reported in causing the riots at Kosi Kalan). He should also punish the guilty however high and powerful the perpetrators might be. This is the only way he can retain the confidence of the minority community.
Abu Yusuf
Gaya, Bihar