No review of terror cases against persons from minorities: Govt

The government on Wednesday said that it has not asked states to review terrorism cases against persons from minority communities but admitted that all chief ministers have been directed to expedite trial of detained minority youths.

"No, sir," Minister of State for Home RPN Singh informed Rajya Sabha when asked whether the government has asked all state governments to review terrorism cases against persons from minority communities.

Singh, however, said that Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde had written a letter on September 30, 2013, requesting all chief ministers to take action for expediting trial of minority people lodged in jails.

In a written reply, Singh said Shinde has told all states and Union Territories to constitute special courts in consultation with the high courts concerned for trial of terror-related cases on a day-to-day basis.

The other issues that the home minister flagged in his letter were:

• All state governments should appoint special public prosecutors for trial of these terror cases. Terror cases should take precedence over other cases pending trial before special courts.
• All law enforcement agencies should be sensitised with regard to communal harmony and social justice while ensuring zero tolerance for terrorism by any person or group irrespective of which community he or they may belong to.
• In all cases of malafide arrest of any member of a minority community by the law enforcement agencies, strict and prompt action should be taken against the erring police officers.
• Wrongfully arrested persons should not only be released forthwith, but should be suitably compensated and rehabilitated to join the mainstream in order to lead a normal life of dignity.

Image: MoS Home RPN Singh