Meerut clash kicks up a row in Parishad

REBUTTING the BJP charge of rising communal tension in Meerut, leader of the Teachers Group in Vidhan Parishad Om Prakash Sharma today lauded the police for quick preventive measures to control the situation on February 2.

REBUTTING the BJP charge of rising communal tension in Meerut, leader of the Teachers Group in Vidhan Parishad Om Prakash Sharma today lauded the police for quick preventive measures to control the situation on February 2.

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Intervening in discussion on the admissibility of adjournment motion moved by the BJP members Prof Ramji Singh and Prof Raj Kumar Tyagi over clash between two communities, Sharma said some anti-social elements had been trying to disturb the communal harmony in the city. While Tyagi said the situation in city was serious, Sharma, who also belongs to Meerut, said the incident was just being made out of proportion. Sharma said snatching of a garland, made of currency notes, from a bridegroom during a marriage procession, led to clash. He further said the police swung into action to nab the culprits and ensure peace.

Prof Ramji assailed the state government for rising incidents of atrocities against the majority community. He said the government involved in vote bank politics had been appeasing the minority community. Sharma said though there was no communal tension, the anti-social elements were ruling the roost, causing problems to common men, including girls. Sharma said there was an immediate need for massive crackdown on these criminals.

Leader of the House and minister for family welfare Ahmad Hasan said 13 persons were named in the FIR and five arrested. Hasan, however, accused the BJP of sheltering criminals. He said the BJP was trying to give communal colour to every incident. Chairman Sukhram Singh Yadav said the government should ensure compensation to the victims.