RANCHI(BIHAR)(PTI): Union minister of state for home affairs M.MJacob on Jan. 16 said that the Center might ban some political parties disturbing communal harmony in the country,
Talking To reporters at ranch in Bihar on his arrival from Delhi, Jacob said the union government did not want to interdict the functioning of any political party, but situation might force it, as was done with the Communist Party of India (CPI) which faced a ban in 1948. When asked whether the Center was considering a ban on Shiv Sena, a Right Wing Party in Maharashtra, he said “Let us watch is activities.”
He said the announcement made by the Imam of Delhi Jama Masjid to observe Jan.26 Republic Dayas “Black Day,’ “is very unfortunate. However, the Center will uphold the sanctity of the dat at all cost.” Asked whether rebuilding of the mosque in Ayodhya would not disturb communal harmony again, he said “it is the commitment of the government and it is up to the people. However, methods of dialogue and persuasion on the part of the government will continue.” The minister said the government would soon come out with a white paper on the Ayodhya incident, the priorities before the government had delayed the matter, he said.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 22, 1993
