Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has welcomed the move by the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission to take up with the State Government the serious violence against North Indians in Mumbai and other places in the State, and called upon the Government to act sternly against the offenders, particularly the leaders of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
“We thank the Commission for its suo moto prompt action of issuing notice to the State Government and the police,” IUML president G.M. Banatwalla said in a statement on February 5, adding that it is necessary that the Commission address the question of adequate action in a time-bound manner.
The IUML leader considers the violence unleashed by MNS against North Indians “a serious assault on the Constitution.”
“The attack on the fundamental right to live and pursue livelihood in any part of the country is highly condemnable and a threat to the unity of the nation which cannot be ignored. Promoting disharmony on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence and language strikes at the roots of democracy and human values,” Mr. Banatwalla noted with a sense of concern.
In view of the seriousness of the State Government and police failure in the face of provocations and attacks by the MNS on the hawkers, cabbies and the people belonging to North India, the IUML leader urged the Government and police to “act in an impartial manner, act sternly against the offenders, including MNS leaders, and maintain peace and law and order.”
Thanking the Union Home Ministry for issuing instructions to the Maharashtra Government to tackle the situation seriously, the IUML president said the Union Government cannot rest content with mere issuing of instructions.
“It must monitor the situation and act effectively. The Central Government must meet its Constitutional obligations without deterrence,” he remarked.