A glimpse of the communal situation across the country during the last ten years since 1999 reveals that the number of communal violence during 1999 was 718 in which 172 persons were killed and 2109 injured, followed by 787 such incidents in 2000 killing 243 people and injuring 1814 persons, 823 incidents in 2001 killing 221 people and injuring 2392 persons, 722 incidents in 2002 killing 1130 and injuring 4375 people, 711 incidents in 2003 killing 193 people and injuring 2261 persons, 677 incidents in 2004 killing 134 persons and injuring 2132 people, 779 in 2005 resulting in the death of 124 and injury of 2068 persons, 698 incidents in 2006 resulting in the death of 133 and injury of 2170 people, 1268 incidents in 2007 resulting in the death of 168 and injury of 4397 persons, and 557 incidents during the first eight months of 2008 ending August 2008 that killed 83 and injured 1453 people. This includes anti-Christian violence in Orissa as well.
Given the situation as it is, the Union Government has advised the States and Union Territories to keep a close watch on the situations with communal overtones and take early steps to prevent such situations from being flared up. In this context, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has issued revised guidelines to promote communal harmony in the States and the Union Territories on June 27, 2008 so that peace prevailed in the country for desired overall progress.
It is also stated that the UPA Government's promised legislation to prevent recurrence of communal violence titled the Communal Violence (Prevention, Control and Rehabilitation of Victims) Bill, 2005, is listed for consideration and passage during the current extended session of Parliament in December 2008. There is a mounting pressure on the Government to get this laudable legislation enacted for assured inclusive growth of the nation.
In a marked departure from the precedents, the UPA Government has provided relief package of Rs.714 crores for victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Rs.70 crores for victims of 2002 anti-Muslim riots of Gujarat, additional package of Rs.262.5 crores for the riots victims, and Rs.29.8 crores for victims of 1989 Bhagalpur riots. This has set a pattern of similar relief in future irrespective of whichever Government is there at the Centre.
The Home Ministry report points out the main challenges to internal security and law and order situation in India centre around terrorist violence in Jammu and Kashmir, North East and naxal affected areas and communal violence. Situation in Jammu and Kashmir continues to show a definite and marked improvement, says the report. Besides, in the North East region, the security situation especially in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland has continued to cause concern. In other States, it has improved.
The concentration of naxalites violence remained the same in Chhatisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Orissa and West Bengal. The situation in Andhra Pradesh and Bihar has improved a great deal, avers the report.
The one and only solution to the continuing subversion of internal security is inclusive growth of the country that has been set in motion by the UPA Government, which, if continued, would in the long run help the all round balanced growth and prosperity of our people irrespective of their castes, creed, religions and sexes! There are no other options available. Divisive and partisan approach will do the people apart threatening national integration, communal harmony, peace and progress of the country!#