This refers to news report “Violence-hit Bengal towns limp to normalcy, Mamata calls for peace" (April 4), communal violence in India during religious events has a long history with incidents dating back to the British era. This year Ram Navami celebrations were marked by violence across several states. While the violence has mainly affected Bihar and West Bengal, rioting has also been reported in Maharashtra, Gujarat and UP with loss of lives. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has blamed the BJP for riots in her state. There have been instances of organisers choosing communally sensitive routes with the objective of spreading hatred and turning their march into a show of strength and aggression. Marchers are allowed to carry swords and other weapons to terrorise people. Unfortunately, the latest clashes appear to have been politically motivated between the ruling party at the Centre and party/alliances in power in Bihar and West Bengal. Centre-state coordination is essential to crack down on hate-mongers and mischief-makers. At stake are the country’s secular credentials, which take a hit whenever festivities are marred by hostilities.
