Religious leaders demand strict laws against communal violence

Leaders of different faiths on Tuesday demanded that the government introduce strict laws for punishment to those resorting to violence in name of religion and spreading intolerance in the country.

During a press conference jointly addressed by leaders of Hindu, Sikh, Muslim and Christian organisations, they called for declaring Eid-Miladum Nabi on December 24 as World Peace Day.

“The government needs to introduce certain laws and then there has to be a stricter implementation to ensure that a few disgruntled elements do not spread intolerance in the country and hamper the unity as well as harmony,” Father Jhonson from the National Minorities Commission said.

Maulana Taujeer Raza Khan, national president of Ittehad Millat Council, said, “It is a misconception that only Hindus respect cows, Islam also does not endorse cow slaughtering and eating of beef. It is unfortunate how a youth was lynched in Dadri over rumours of beef consumption. We demand that the government bans cow slaughter and beef export.”

Paramjeet Singh Chandok, chairman of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, said, “For the bright future of the country, it is

important that people belonging to all religions are united.

The country is full of cultural diversity and there should be no space for those spreading intolerance and resorting to violence in name of religion.”

Swami Chakrapani Maharaj, president of Hindu Mahasabha, said that no religion permits violence and those resorting to it in the name of religious sentiments are a threat to the society.