The communal troubles-that is the most shameless thing that is happening in this country. Well, the communal troubles have taken place on earlier occasions also but only for two, three or four days even in the worst times. But now, it goes on for months together. If trouble starts, it goes on - Jamshedpur, Aligarh, Nadia (interruptions) I am talking about the national situation. I am mentioning that because it is happening there, what can I do about it? The most important thing is that the Muslims are feeling unsafe in this country. They do not have faith in the Government. The minorities question is also there. I am also a sitting member of the Communal Harmony Committee appointed by the Prime Minister. We have decided that every party will give its own note. But the basic theme of my note would be that ultimately the test of communal harmony will be, we will have to achieve it. It is not you and .I who can decide this matter. What is it that the minorities want? Only recently, two or three days before, Jamiat Ulema - I, has started a movement of civil disobedience. That is an organisation of patriots, who fought against the British imperialism and who fought against the two-nation theory, who are with India and they are now coming on the streets, offering civil disobedience. Is it nor our duty to respond to their demands? (Interruptions) I am told that threats are being given to them. They are ten times better patriots than anyone else who can claim to be so. So, this question of communal harmony and the problem of minorities is a very important one.
Now, a Bill has been encouraged in the name of Freedom of Religion Bill and a general atmospheres being created that the Government is behind it. When Government is asked to explain its attitude, they give some sort of a vague reply meaning thereby that they are not opposed to what Mr. Tyagi wants. Do you want Christians to feel the same thing, what Muslims are feeling in this country? This is what is happening in two years. Where has the situation come to? This is how the affairs of the country are being managed. This is how the national affairs are being looked after. The basic issues are being completely neglected. Very minor things are being given a priority in this situation.
Take the situation in the north-eastern region. It is a very important part of the country. It consists of areas where there are international borders; it is an area which has possibilities and potentialities of insurgency. How are you going to deal with this? This is the most important thing. I am not sure that this question is being wisely tacked. If you merely tackle it with guns, no question can be tackled with guns. I do not say, gun will not be necessary. I am not taking that position. But ultimately, you will have to go through political efforts, persuade those people, persuade the leadership and continue this dialogue. It is the dialogue that means democracy and it is through dialogue that we will certainly bring about a change in the situation. This will have to be done.
