Law and order in UP Akhilesh govt's responsibility: Rijiju

Concerned over the spate of rapes and killings in Uttar Pradesh, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju today said that the Centre was closely watching the situation but pointed out that law and order was primarily the state government's responsibility.
If such incidents have taken place in UP, it means there is some problems in the state and the state government must ponder over it, Rijiju said.
"It is a matter of concern if incidents of violence have taken place in any state. (But) we will not interfere in it as law and order is a state subject," he told reporters here.

The minister, however, said that if such cases are not checked, the central government would have to see what can be done.
"We can seek reports and guide them if necessary. Things are not going well in UP and the state government should attend to (the problem). We are on the ground and keeping watch on everything," he said.
Rijiju was replying to questions regarding the murder of two BJP leaders and incidents of rape and killings in the recent past in Uttar Pradesh.