'Peace, Communal Harmony Must be Ensured,' Says President Pranab Mukherjee

Underscoring the importance of preserving peace and communal harmony, President Pranab Mukherjee today said freedom and equality were guaranteed in the Constitution and deviation from these principles would "weaken" the country's democratic fabric.

At the 46th Governors Conference attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cabinet ministers and governors, the President said every Indian looks forward to the Constitution as "guarantor of liberties, freedom and equality".

"Any deviation will jeopardise the social, economic and political well-being of our citizens," he said, adding, "Prevalence of peace & communal harmony must be ensured."

The President said the Governors and Lt. Governors have the "primary responsibility" to ensure that the affairs of the states and Union Territories are conducted strictly in accordance with the letter and spirit of the Constitution.