NCP for district-wise study groups to curb communal tensions

Addressing a press conference, NCP spokesman Nawab Malik said the party leadership had already spoken to Home Minister R R Patil to look into the matter. "We hope the government will take note of our demand and do the needful," he added.

Malik said a judicial probe into the Dhule violence will help bring out the truth and asked the government to constitute such an inquiry.

According to Malik, study groups in each district will go into details of why such communal tensions happen and what can be done to avoid it.

When asked about the hike in the railway fare, Malik said the NCP did not oppose the move. "While ensuring that the hike will help improve the railways finances, efforts should also be taken to improve the railway services," he added.

Referring to Mumbai suburban railway, Malik said the state government should intervene to ensure that Rail Vikas Corporation functions effectively.

To a question on NCP minister Hassan Mushriff's demand that MIM party be banned in the state and the party leader Akbaruddin Owaisi be prevented from entering the state for a speech on February two in Aurangabad, Malik said there is no provision to ban a political party. "Only the Election Commission can de-recognise it. The freedom of speech and expression should not be misused and strict action should be taken against those who violate it," he said.

Criticising Shiv Sena for objecting to dialogue process with Pakistan after the LOC ceasefire violation in which two Indian soldiers were martyred, Malik said Sena's stand was different when it was in the NDA government.

"After Kargil war, the NDA government hosted Pervez Musharraf in Agra and Delhi and even started the bus service from Delhi to Lahore. Shiv Sena stayed quiet and did not react," he added.