Govt soft on separatists: Oppn

New Delhi: Opposition on Monday accused the government in Lok Sabha of adopting "soft" stance against separatists in Kashmir and failing to check attacks on churches as well as Left wing extremism.

At the same time, members, cutting across party lines, pressed for providing latest weapons and equipment to police and para-military forces to deal with the problems of naxalism and militancy in different parts of the country including Jammu and Kashmir.

Initiating the debate on Demand for Grants for Home Ministry, Leader of Congress Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that the government was being "soft" on separatists in Jammu and Kashmir who were displaying Pakistani flags and carrying out anti-national activities.

He noted that BJP, which used to accuse previous Congress-led government of being soft on separatists, was in power in Jammu and Kashmir along with PDP and should now act.

Kharge also raked up the issue of attacks on churches and accused the government of not taking effective steps to stop these.

He also said the government had done nothing against those running the 'ghar wapsi' campaign, hinting at Sangh Parivar outfits who were doing so.

The Congress leader wanted the government to deal strongly with the persons making communal remarks.

Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders repeatedly claim that Constitution is their most revered book, they are not doing enough to further the aims and objectives enshrined in it," said Kharge.

"You garland the statue of Mahatma Gandhi but at the same time say 'namaste' to Godse," he said.

He took a dig at the government as he asked whether the intellegence agencies were reporting to the Home Minister or directly to some bureaucrats in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

Asserting that the Home Minister should get information first and he should brief the Prime Minister, Kharge asked, "If everything is controlled by the PMO, what is the need for Ministers?" Kharge also made a case for modernising the police forces and drawing a joint strategy to deal with the problem of left wing extremism or naxalism.

The money allocated to the Home Ministry must be spent, the Congress leader said, adding "(the centre) must assist the states in maintaining law and order."

Hukum Singh (BJP) said the problem in Jammu and Kashmir is several decades old and could not be resolved in ten months. "It will take time."

The government, he added, should ignore the human right activists and deal effectively with forces trying to create disturbances in Jammu and Kashmir or any other part of the country.

The government must take steps to check infiltration into the country from neigbouring countries, he said, adding such influx of people had changed the demographic profile of Assam.

J Jayavardhan (AIADMK) said the central government should provide adequate security to fishermen in Tamil Nadu and ensure that the funds earmarked for modernisation of the police force are utilised properly.

Trinamool member Saugata Roy said the government should take a cue from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in dealing with the problem of naxalism and extremism.

The Centre should adopt 'carrot and stick' policy while dealing with Maoists but must deal with violence with a firm hand as there is no place for such activities in the democracy, he added.

Roy said the government should give second thought to continuance of Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Trinamool member added that Intelligence Bureau should focus on providing inputs to security forces instead of following political rivals.

Roy wanted the government to ensure safety and security of women in the country.

Vinayak Bhaurao Raut (Shiv Sena) demanded repeal of Article 370, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and wanted implementation of Uniform Civil Code in the country.

He said Kashmiri Pandits should be given back their property from those who looted them.

Raising the issue of infiltration from Bangladesh, Raut said child labourers from across the border are coming to Maharashtra.

Mohammad Salim (CPIM) demanded that law and order should be maintained in such a way that communal harmony exists.

Raising the issues of 'Ghar Wapsi' (reconversion) and also holding of judges' conference on Good Friday, he said the present government lacks sensibilities.