The Home Minister also raised the issue of fear among certain sections about possible demographic change in the country and said the basic character of the country should not be allowed to change.
"If we go to the US and try to hurt the identity of that country, will they accept itIJ Why do we want to change their identityIJ There should not be any such attempt. How can a country like India allow changes in its demographic profile and characterIJ let India's character remain the same," he said.
Singh alleged that the sense of insecurity among the minorities prevailed during the rule of Congress-led UPA.
"If anyone can end the sense of insecurity among the minorities, it is the Narendra Modi-led NDA government. We have to turn the sense of insecurity into a sense of security. For a government or a Home Minister, ending insecurity of minorities is the biggest challenge," he said.
The Home Minister expressed concern over the conflict between communities and said the trend should be stopped and the tendency to establish supremacy by one community over another should come to an end.
"Why do we fight with each otherIJ It is very unfortunate. A dog bites a dog but why cannot a human keep himself away from any fight. Is there any need to establish supremacy over someone else. I believe god is one and people call him by different names.
"While preaching our respective religion, can't we live with brotherhood. Why do we have to engage in conversion. What is the need. Conversion cannot be anyone's goal. let all people preach respective religion and live peacefully. Many people may not agree with what I am saying. You may have a different opinion and I respect that," he said.
Singh said India is the only country where people of all religions are found. "The Parsi community had to leave their own land Iran. They are living in India with peace, prosperity and dignity for ages," he said.
A documentation on Jews has suggested that India is the only country where the community does not face any persecution. The oldest church in the world is in India. It is not in the US or in Europe, it is in Kerala, he said.
Singh said India is a country which respects all religions and believes in peaceful existence. Here all 72 sects of Islam live peacefully.
The Home Minister also said that no one can question the patriotism of minorities, even though some of them may feel alienated.
Singh said government is committed to give facilities to the minorities and to take up developmental projects for their welfare in the country.
"Some people may feel alienated. People may feel that proper development of the community is not taking place. For that we have to take appropriate action," he said.
