Arjun suggestion: (UPA) Centre should intervene in (UPA) state

Perhaps overlooking the fact that there are Congress-led governments both at the Centre and in Maharashtra...

Perhaps overlooking the fact that there are Congress-led governments both at the Centre and in Maharashtra, Union Minister for Human Resource Development Arjun Singh today said he was in favour of Central intervention in the state to stamp out violence against “North Indians” who are being targeted by Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.

“I think the Centre should intervene because the attacks are continuing. This is not just a law and order problem,” Arjun Singh said on the sidelines of a function here. “Such incidents are not good for the country, nor for democracy,” he said.

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Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry has rushed additional paramilitary forces to Maharashtra to deal with the situation. In a strongly worded advisory, the Ministry also directed the state to take all steps to maintain peace.

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“The state government has been advised to make all necessary arrangements to ensure that peace is maintained and activities of miscreants are effectively checked,” the Home Ministry said after a review of the situation.

The decision to send additional Central forces was taken following a request from the state government. These forces will be in addition to the contingents of Rapid Action Force that are already stationed in Mumbai.