The Government on Friday termed the incident of Shiv Sena MPs force-feeding a fasting Muslim as “regrettable” and “unfortunate”. Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the Government is committed to safeguard religious freedom of every citizen in India.
“I would like to inform this House through the Chairman that the incident was regrettable and unfortunate. I would also like to inform that our government is committed to safeguard religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution to its citizen,” Singh said making a statement on this issue in the Rajya Sabha.
For the last two days, there was uproar over this incident in both Houses of Parliament and some members had demanded a statement from the Government. The Minister also asked members of the Upper House to make constant efforts for maintaining religious harmony in our country. The Home Minister also shared the factual details of the incident on the basis of the reports received from the Maharashtra Government.
“On July 17, at around 11.30 am, few MPs from Maharashtra expressed their objection to the quality of food being served by IRCTC at the New Maharashtra Sadan. Thereafter, they demanded immediate discontinuation of IRCTC services there. It has also been informed that MPs entered the front office and also the kitchen room of the Resident Commissioner (RC) and expressed their objection,”Singh said.
“Thereafter, they reportedly tried to feed chapati to Arshad Zubair, resident manager of IRCTC, while taking exception to the quality of food being served. No complaint has been filed by Arshad Zubair with the local police. The Maharashtra Sadan RC has apprised the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra about the matter but no complaint has been filed by him,” said the Home Minister said.
The IRCTC has now terminated the contract with the Maharashtra Sadan for providing catering and IT services.It has been informed by the IRCTC that its decision to the aforesaid effect is final and irreversible, added Singh.