Former PM Manmohan Singh Hits At Growing Intolerance, Hate Crimes, Says These Trends Are 'Repugnant To Peace'

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh highlighted certain ¡°unpleasant trends¡± that have gripped the country over the past few years.

Remembering former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 75th birth anniversary, Singh "unpleasant trends of growing intolerance, communal polarisation, and incidents of violent crimes propelled by hatred of certain groups can only damage our polity.¡±

The former prime minister said that these trends are repugnant to promotion of peace, national integration and communal harmony, ¡°which are cherished objectives enshrined in our constitution.¡±

AFP

"All of us need to reflect on how we can contribute to arresting these trends," he said.

Former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh: Country has been witnessing some disturbing trends over the past few years. These trends of growing intolerance,communal polarization,growing incidents of violent crimes propelled by hatred of certain groups & mob violence can only damage our polity. pic.twitter.com/0GtxRjDtJD

¡ª ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2019

"We must continue our journey on the path shown by Rajiv ji by imbibing these words of Rajiv ji," Singh added.

He also spoke about revocation of Article 30 in Kashmir and the communication balckout in the now Union Territory, saying that it is imperative that the voices of people be heard for the "idea of India to prevail.

Former PM Manmohan Singh on #Article370Revoked: Its outcome is not to the liking of many people of our country & It's important that voices of all these people be heard & It is only by raising our voice that we can ensure that in the long run, the idea of India prevails. pic.twitter.com/x0Iq4yhzpi

¡ª ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2019

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi remembered his father as someone who taught him never to hate anyone. "Today we celebrate the 75th birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi ji, a patriot & a visionary, whose farsighted policies helped build India. To me, he was a loving father who taught me never to hate, to forgive & to love all beings," Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

The Prime Minister tweeted "Tributes to our former PM Shri Rajiv Gandhi on his birth anniversary."

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh while remembering the former Prime Minister tweeted, "You are forever in my heart & the heart of every person whose life you touched, dear friend. India remembers your contributions to nation-building & will always miss you, Rajiv,"

The Congress celebrates the birthday of former Prime Minister as 'Sadbhavna Diwas'.