Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi, who faces possible arrest for "promoting" enmity between regional groups, on Wednesday said Maharashtra government should take action against leaders like Raj Thackeray for "inciting" violence.
"Matters like this (the issue raised by Raj) should be debated in Parliament and should not be fought on streets. I think negligence on part of the state and police has led to violence," Azmi, who has been slapped with charges of inciting violence and making inflammatory statements, said.
He also appealed for peace. Raj, whose party Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has launched an agitation against north Indian migrants, also faces similar charges and his arrest looks imminent.
The SP leader was speaking to reporters outside his residence in South Mumbai. Azmi, who has been served a notice preventing him from addressing the press and public, said no police official has spoken to him since morning. The MP added that he is going about his normal work "as usual".
He denied that his party workers were involved in incidents of violence in the metropolis since Tuesday. Security has been scaled down outside Azmi's residence in Colaba as compared to Tuesday. The road barricades which were placed near his residence have been removed.
{{/usCountry}}He denied that his party workers were involved in incidents of violence in the metropolis since Tuesday. Security has been scaled down outside Azmi's residence in Colaba as compared to Tuesday. The road barricades which were placed near his residence have been removed.
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