Chidambaram says no place for violence in the country India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Thursday said there is no place for violence in the democratic set up of the country. Addressing a press conference here, Chidambaram said the government would not tolerate any form of violence in the name of so called fight for equality. Condemning the Maoists violent activities in Jharkhand in the past few months, he said maintaining law and order and giving protection to the citizens is primary responsibility of the state government. Stating that the democratic system was large enough to accommodate every shade of political opinion, he said, "Let me assume that the CPI (Maoist) has a particular political view. That view can also be accommodated in the democratic system". "Within a democratic system there are ways in which causes can be advocated and grievances can be redressed," he said. He also said that the Centre would provide adequate forces to conduct Assembly elections in Jharkhand. "We will provide additional forces as requested by the Election Commission so that election takes place peacefully. Naxal problem will not come in the way of holding peaceful elections," he added. Hailing the state administration for implementing the developmental schemes successfully in the state, Chidambaram said that the state is doing quite well under the President rule.