New Delhi: National Commission for Minorities on December 18 said the Gujarat
government should try to instil confidence among minorities in the state, which
witnessed communal riots early this year.
"There is a need for present BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) government to instil
confidence among the minorities in the state. Communal harmony is required much more
now and both state government and minorities should work closely with each other,"
National Commission for Minorities vice chairman Tarlochan Singh said.
Delving on the need for better relations among various communities, Singh said they
should come out of the "election mode" and work towards the betterment of the
state.
"The state government should try to win over the confidence of minorities and on the
other hand minorities should also come out of election propaganda and co-operate
with the state government," Singh said.
NCM member Shamim Kazim sought to underplay the reported phobia among minorities
regarding BJP coming to power in the state. Kazim said the situation was overblown
and it was only a "projected fear".
"The people of Gujarat are peace-loving, business-class people. They are only
interested in trade activities," he said, adding the state government and banks
should help those affected during the post-Godhra riots.
PTI
