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Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy on Tuesday alleged that the violence in Delhi over the amended Citizenship law has been perpetrated intentionally and the Narendra Damodardas Modi government would not tolerate such incidents.
Reddy expressed concern over the violence during United States President Donald J Trump's visit to the country.
The arson and rioting was "totally wrong", Reddy said.
"I warn those behind the violence... The Narendra Modi government has zero tolerance towards it. Our government will take necessary stern action against those involved in arson and violence. Our government will not tolerate any form of violence," Reddy told reporters in Hyderabad.
The minister claimed that the law and order situation in the national capital was under control because the Delhi police was working with responsibility.
Alleging that the violence in Delhi was perpetrated intentionally, he said, "The Centre has been patient. We know people will understand that there is nothing in the CAA that is against 130 crore Indians. It is neither against Pakistan nor Bangladesh or even against any religion or region."
"In spite of this they are trying to "defame" the Modi government and bring disgrace to the country which is very wrong," Reddy said, adding none should think that the Union government was weak.
"Those conspiring to damage the country's prestige are responsible for the violence. Investigations are on and it will reveal whoever is behind it. We will hold talks with the people following which action (by the government) will be initiated against the perpetrators."
On the ongoing sit-in protests against the CAA and National Register of Citizens in Shaheen Bagh in Delhi, Reddy said it was a sensitive issue and that some political parties and protesters were linking it to religion.
"We are taking measures with caution and exercising restraint. They are our own people. After being provoked by someone they are protesting and that's why we have been patient for the past several days."
Reddy charged some political leaders with making speeches at Shaheen Bagh and other places in the country and provoking anti-CAA protesters.
To a query, the minister said the Shaheen Bagh matter was before the Supreme Court and the area could not be cleared now.
Referring to All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen President Asaduddin Owaisi's statement that violence would spread in the country if the CAA was not withdrawn, Reddy said he was being "irresponsible".
"Owaisi has been trying to instigate violence by making such provocative speeches for the past many days. The Centre is firm and the CAA will not be withdrawn even if hundreds of Owaisis oppose it," he said.