PM Modi disapproves vandalism of statues, warns of stern action
What's the story
PM Narendra Modi strongly condemned incidents of vandalism of statues in certain parts of the country and warned of stern action against those found guilty. He spoke to Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the matter and expressed strong disapproval of such incidents. Home Affairs Ministry said it has taken serious note of such incidents and directed state governments to take strong action. Here's more.
MHA Advisory
All states, union territories asked to take necessary measures
Persons indulging in vandalism must be sternly dealt with and booked under relevant provisions of law, Home Affairs Ministry said. In an advisory to all states and union territories, the Ministry said incidents of the toppling of statues were reported from certain parts of India. "The MHA has asked the states that they must take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents," it said.
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State governments should deal sternly with those involved
The Home Ministry said the state governments were told that persons indulging in such acts must be sternly dealt with and booked under relevant provisions of law. "Honorable Prime Minister has also spoken to the Home Minister in this regard," the advisory said.
Tripura
Clashes, violence in Tripura following BJP's victory
The MHA's advisory didn't specifically mention Tripura, but sporadic violence and clashes have been reported between rival political groups in the state after election results were declared on Saturday. A statue of Lenin was brought down at Belonia in South Tripura with the help of a bulldozer after BJP's victory in the Assembly elections in Tripura where a 25-year-long communist government was ousted.
Peace, Public Order
Rajnath Singh asks Tripura Guv, DGP to ensure peace
Home Minister Rajnath Singh called up Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy and DGP AK Shukla and asked them to ensure peace and check violence till a new government is installed in the state. Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba had also spoken to the DGP, asking them to take all possible steps to maintain law and order, check violence, and restore peace and public order.
Information
Statue of "Periyar" vandalized in Vellore
The Home Ministry said enough central and state forces were available at the disposal of Tripura's government to tackle the situation. Meanwhile, the statue of social reformer and founder of Dravidian movement EV Ramasamy "Periyar" was also allegedly vandalized in Tamil Nadu's Vellore last night.