Will challenge the challenge: Modi in UP after CAA stir
PM rebukes violent protesters, praises Yogi govt
LUCKNOW: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday came down heavily on the damage to property caused by people protesting against the new citizenship law, saying those who committed violence must introspect.
Article 370, which the prime minister termed an “old disease”, and the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid issue were resolved peacefully, Modi said, adding that the way had been cleared to give citizenship to persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
“We have solved some of the problems that we got as legacy... We will challenge the challenges,” he said.
The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, or CAA, has triggered a nationwide debate on whether the law violates the country’s secular nature by excluding a particular religious group from its ambit, as has the iron-fisted approach adopted by police in some states to quell protests against the legislation.
“So far, we have focused on our rights. But now, we should focus on our duties. A government should not work only for five years but also for five generations,” he said, adding those who damage public property should question themselves. “People should not believe in rumours and misinformation,”
Modi said.
The Adiyanath government in UP came in for praise from the Prime Minister.
“Good governance is possible only when one takes an inclusive view. And, I am glad that Yodi Adityanath is following this,” he said.
The Uttar Pradesh administration has announced strong action against violent protesters -- CM Adityanath said on December 19 that the administration would exact “revenge” for the violence -- including seizure and attachment of their properties. But there was no word on compensating families of those killed in police firing or on holding officers to account.
“We should always remember our rights and obligations. While good and accessible education is our right, we also have an obligation to respect our teachers and safeguard the security of our educational institutions,” Modi said, criticising the ongoing protests by students against the contentious new law in universities across the country.