Law and order is a state subject and specific data on attacks against any individual community is not maintained centrally, the government said today in response to questions by Rajya Sabha member Abdul Wahab on attack on minorities.
Mr Wahab, who belongs to the Indian Union Muslim League, had asked whether attacks against minority communities have increased in the recent past and if so, what measures have been taken by the government to ensure their protection. The MP from Kerala had also questioned whether the government has any data on the attack against institutions that belong to minority communities and if so, their details.
The written answer from Smriti Irani, who holds the Minority Affairs portfolio, read: "Public Order and 'Police' are State subjects as per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. The responsibility of maintaining law and order, registration and prosecution of crimes against all citizens including minorities, rests with the respective State Governments. As such, specific data regarding attacks against individual community is not maintained centrally."
The Government of India, the minister added, monitors the internal security and law and order situation in the country and issues appropriate advisories "to maintain peace, public tranquility and communal harmony".
"Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are deployed to aid and assist State Governments, on their request, to maintain law and order and public tranquility," she added.
"The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has issued Communal Harmony Guidelines, which, inter-alia lay down standard operating procedure to deal with situations arising out of any violence. These guidelines are aimed to maintain due vigilance, careful planning and preparatory measures to prevent and pre-empt communal violence," read the answer.
Amid Rising Attacks, Big March In Bangladesh For Hindus, Other Minorities Opinion: Opinion | 12 New Opposition MPs India Should Watch Out For - Part 2 Expelled For Anti-Party Activities, Ex MP Of Naveen Patnaik's BJD Joins BJP AR Rahman, Wife Saira Announce Separation After 29 Years Of Marriage Strangled, Booted, Abandoned: How Harshita Brella Was Killed By Her Husband Amid Souring Ties With India, Canada's Latest Move Inconveniences Fliers NMC Extends Deadline For Online Application Of Eligibility Certificates Comedian Samay Raina's Reply To Backlash Over Deepika Padukone Joke China Company Offers Cash Rewards To Encourage Employees To Go On Dates Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.