New Delhi: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today termed "unfortunate" the lynching of a man over beef rumours in Uttar Pradesh's Dadri and appealed to the people to maintain communal harmony.
"It was an unfortunate incident. I appeal to every citizen to maintain communal harmony, which is everyone's responsibility," Singh said on the sidelines of the 80th birth anniversary of Bharat Kisan Union founder Mahendra Singh Tikait.
Meanwhile, UP government has sent its report to the Union Home Ministry on the Dadri lynching episode, in which 50-year-old Iqlakh was attacked by a mob following rumours that his family had consumed beef.
Iqlakh was attacked by a 200-strong mob at Bishada village after a public announcement by a local temple that the family had slaughtered a calf and eaten its meat last Monday night.
Home Ministry had on October 1 sought a report on the incident from UP government and advised it to ensure that such incidents did not recur.
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Concerned over incidents of a communal colour, the Centre had yesterday asked all states to take strictest action against those who attempt to weaken the secular fabric of the nation by exploiting religious sentiments.
In a statement, Home Ministry had said it was concerned over various incidents with communal overtones across the country, including the recent "unfortunate" incident at Dadri.
