CPI (M) demands action against political parties 'fomenting' communalism in UP

Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury on Saturday voiced his opposition to communal politics in the lead-up to the 2014 general elections, and demanded that the Samajwadi Party-led Uttar Pradesh government delivers speedy justice to the perpetrators of violence in Muzaffarnagar.

"It is most unfortunate that as the elections approach, there are certain forces who would like to foment communal tension in order to influence electorate. Now, this is something that has played havoc with our country's social fabric-with our country's unity and integrity," Yechury said.

"Now, the state government, whose primary responsibility is that of maintaining law and order, will have to ensure that those guilty of such crimes will be given punishment and justice is delivered. If that investigation has to be done, the government will decide. If the state police does not have confidence, let there be another agency. But, then, do it fast and then action must be taken on those who are guilty," he added.

Yechury also criticized the Akhilesh Yadav-led Government for not being able to curb the violence during the communal riots, as material emerged from a television news channel's sting operation indicates that local police officers were told to take delayed action in Muzaffarnagar.

"What happened in Muzaffarnagar is something that should not have happened. The lack of vigilance on the part of the state government has helped to create a situation much worse than what it could have been. It should have been brought under control," he said.

Two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs-Sangeet Som and Suresh Rana- and one Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA-Noor Salim Rana-have been arrested in connection with the Muzaffarnagar communal riots. They have been accused of inciting tension in Muzaffarnagar, which claimed the lives of at least 40 people.

Suresh Rana is in 14 days of judicial custody since Saturday for allegedly delivering an inflammatory speech that led to communal riots in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh.

Rana, however, denied making any controversial speech, and alleged that it's a conspiracy by the Uttar Pradesh Government to target BJP leaders.

The State Government has constituted a one-member judicial commission to probe the Muzaffarnagar violence, which has claimed over 40 lives.

The commission, which would mainly look into administrative lapses, if any, in controlling the violence, would submit its report to the government within two months.

Violence broke out in the Kawal area of Muzaffarnagar on August 27, when members of a community returning from a panchayat meeting in Naglabadhod, three kilometres from Kawal, clashed with members of another community.