Owaisi seeks action against lax cops for riots

Hyderabad, April 11 (IANS) Voicing its concern over increasing incidents of communal violence in Andhra Pradesh, Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM), a key ally of the ruling Congress, Wednesday put the government on notice over taking action against lax policemen.

MIM chief and MP from Hyderabad Asaduddin Owaisi met Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy and asked him to take action against the police officers for their inaction in Madannapet and Saeedabad areas of old Hyderabad, which led to the outbreak of communal violence Sunday.

Owaisi, who led a delegation of MIM legislators, also sought action against Congress legislator Jaggareddy for his involvement in the recent communal violence in Sangareddy town of Medak district.

"We exercised a lot of restraint. But I can't restrain myself if these incidents continue. The government will have to pay a political price," he told reporters after meeting the chief minister.

Owaisi voiced his concern over desecration of places of worship and alleged that there was a "deliberate attempt" and a "conspiracy" to target the houses and places of worship of the minority community.

The MIM chief also demanded that the unnecessary arrests of Muslim men and the harassment by police should be stopped.

He said ever since the 2007 blasts in the historic Mecca Masjid triggered by suspected right-wing Hindu forces, a deliberate attempt was being made to polarise the society.

He also referred to the series of attacks on Muslim youth four months ago.

The MP asked the chief minister to create confidence among people by taking firm action against the right-wing Hindu groups.