Sibal asks parties, media to work to heal scars of UP riots

Calls for efforts to remove the environment of hate and suspicion

Law Minister Kapil Sibal today asked political parties and the media to refrain from making any statement that can flare up violence in riot-hit Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh.

"I think political statements made to exacerbate the situation should not be done at this point of time. We can analyse the reason why and what happened at a later point of time but this is not the time to make the situation worse than what it is today," Sibal told reporters here.

Sibal said that at the moment efforts should be made to heal the situation, get the people together and remove the environment of hate and suspicion.

"We are deeply, deeply grieved by what had happened in Uttar Pradesh. I hope and pray that all political parties get together with the intent to heal rather than hurt," he said.

He asked the media not to raise controversial issues and work to create a positive environment to restore peace in the area.

The Minister refused to share his views on probable causes that lead to worsening of the situation and said "you are trying that I should talk about controversy. I am trying that it should not happen. I want to request the media to create such an environment that creates harmony among people," Sibal said.