PM to visit Muzaffarnagar

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to visit Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh on Monday. The Prime Minister’s visit comes at a time when the communal clashes have caused a serious concern among the major stakeholders in Uttar Pradesh, who have raised the pitch against the manner of handling of the biggest communal clashes that claimed 38 lives. The situation became so explosive that it warranted calling out the Army for the first time in 22 years in Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav will also be visiting the area to assess the situation in the distress-torn district.

According to PMO sources, the Prime Minister’s visit is aimed at an on-the-spot assessment in the district that witnessed deadly communal riots about a week ago. The Prime Minister will take stock of the situation during the visit. The Centre has convened a meeting of National Integration Council (NIC) on September 23 that is expected to focus on communal harmony and related aspects, in the backdrop of riots in Muzaffarnagar, This is indicative of the seriousness with which the Government has taken the threat of the communal polarisation being attempted in the run up to the parliamentary elections.

Soon after his return after attending G-20 Summit meeting, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had spoken to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and assured him of all help. The Prime Minister also sanctioned ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to seriously injured persons from the Prime Minister`s National Relief Fund. Congress President Sonia Gandhi and AICC Vice-President Rahul Gandhi are also expected to visit Muzaffarnagar next week. The Congress is determined to raise the issue in a big way, as the party has recognized the level of concerns it has raised among the member of the minority community, who are gripped by fear. AICC General Secretary in charge Uttar Pradesh Madhusudan Mistry said had stated that those instigating violence cannot be allowed to go scot-free on the ground that they are workers of political parties.