Preventing mob violence and lynching is responsibility of state govts: PM Modi

Newsroom, Aug 12: Taking necessary steps to prevent mob violence and lynching is the responsibility of the state governments, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In an interview with a national daily which is known for pro-BJP stance in recent years, the PM said that every state government needs to adopt effective measures to protect innocent citizens irrespective of caste, creed, place, time and religion, and take stringent action as per law against the perpetrators of such violence.

Asked about rampant mob lynching across the country in spite of his condemnation and warning, Mr Modi said: “It is very sad we keep hearing about such incidents Even if one incident occurs in the country, it is very sad and needs to be condemned in the strongest voice”

“My government is committed to upholding rule of law and protecting the life and liberty of every citizen. Let there be no shade of doubt on this account. I also expect that everyone — society, people at large, government and government functionaries and political parties — have a duty to fight this menace,” he added.

“Our government has issued very clear advisories to states on this issue. I want to make it clear that mob lynching is a crime, no matter the motive. No person can, under any circumstances, take the law into his or her own hands and commit violence,” he said.

He said that in order to formulate appropriate measures to address the situation, the government has also set up a high level committee chaired by the Union home secretary to deliberate in the matter and make recommendations. “We have also constituted a group of ministers headed by the Union home minister to consider the committee’s recommendations,” the PM said.