Take preventive action against those spreading hatred: CPI(M)

CPI(M) on Saturday urged Akhilesh Yadav government to take "preventive action" against those spreading communal hatred as the party condemned violence in Mainpuri district of the state following rumours of cow slaughter.

"The government must firmly crack down on such elements. It is not enough to arrest people after an incident. Preventive action must be taken against those organisations and persons who are spreading communal hatred in the name of cow," CPI (M) said in a statement.

The Left party claimed the Mainpuri violence, which takes place close on the heels of lynching of a man by mob in the state's Dadri town following rumours of eating and storing beef, underscores "how the cow slaughter issue is being utilised to target minority community."

"The politburo condemns these attacks. The Hindutva outfits have been for some time indulging in such provocative activities and creating discord," CPI(M) said.

Violence erupted in Karhal area of the district following rumour of cow slaughter yesterday with locals targeting police vehicles and setting afire shops, leaving seven security personnel cops injured.

According to police, 21 persons have been arrested in connection with the violence.