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NCM Chairman Addresses Key Minority Issues and Initiatives in Press Conference
The National Commission for Minorities formed under the NCM Act, 1992, has been inter-alia, entrusted with the responsibility to look into specific complaints regarding deprivation of rights and safeguards of Minorities and take up such matters with the appropriate authorities.
Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Hon'ble Chairman, National Commission for Minorities held a press conference on 12.10.2023 and addressed the gathering at NCM Headquarters, New Delhi. The extensive briefing was followed by an interactive session with media persons. Specific areas of interaction included Haryana communal violence, Khalistan issue, PM’s 15 Point Programme and other upcoming projects of NCM.
The press meet was attended by Vice Chairperson of NCM, Kersi K Deboo, Members Dhanyakumar Jinappa Gunde, Rinchen Lhamo and other senior officials.
Chairman, NCM highlighted Commission’s recent achievements in the matters related to minorities including - Providing security to Jain Dharmgurus during their travel/stay, resolving Sammed Shikharji issue, implementation of Anand Marriage Act in various States/UTs, resolving the issues faced by Indian Hajjis during their Hajj journey to Medina, Saudi Arabia and spreading awareness about already existing schemes of Central Government for the welfare of minorities and PM’s 15 Point Programme.
Iqbal Singh Lalpura while talking about the recent communal violence of Haryana said, “The event was disappointing, the whole episode snowballed due to misuse of social media, however, it was not an organized crime. NCM monitored the events that occurred during the violence proactively. From visiting Nuh and Gurugram to meet the victims to seeking a detailed report on the matter, the Commission has been at the forefront in all aspects. We also released an ‘Appeal for Maintenance of Peace and Communal Harmony’ in this regard.”
On the issue of Khalistan, Chairman NCM said, “Sikhs do not intend for any separation from India. The issue received attention because of the fringe elements involved.”
Chairman, NCM also briefed about various initiatives being taken up to enhance NCM’s outreach activities. He said, “We have started conducting webinars with different stakeholders working for the welfare of minorities including NGOs, institutes and other bodies. In the recent Commission meeting, it has been decided frequent meetings will be held with different minority communities in the upcoming days. During our visits to States/UTs, we spread awareness about PM's 15 Points for minorities and Central Government Schemes. We are also conducting a research study on different minority issues.”