Celebrate Vijayadashmi with 'spirit of unity': Rajnath

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has greeted the people on the eve of Vijayadashmi, urging them to celebrate the festival on Thursday with the "spirit of unity" strengthening the nation.

"On this auspicious festival of Vijayadashmi, I extend my best wishes to all my fellow citizens for celebrating it with the spirit of unity," the home minister said in a statement.

"Unity in diversity is the much celebrated value of our ancient culture. I appeal to the citizens to maintain calm, peace and harmony and contribute to strengthening this great nation," he said.

Rajnath Singh also said that the government would not tolerate any criminal activity.

"I reiterate the stand of government of no tolerance of any criminal activity. Law enforcing agencies must act accordingly," he said just hours after having expressed concern over incidents of Faridabad, Dadri, and Punjab.

A Dalit family's house was set afire on Tuesday in Faridabad's Ballabgarh area allegedly by some upper caste people, leaving two kids burnt to death and parents badly injured with burns.

A Muslim man was killed by a mob on September 28 in Uttar Pradesh's Dadri town, following rumours that the victim had consumed cow meat,

In Punjab, protests are being held following the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book.