By NNN-PTI
Gurudaspur, Punjab : Apparently having in mind Raj Thackeray-led MNS’ drive against North Indians in Mumbai, Union Home Minister Shiv Raj Patil said regionalism is raising its head in parts of the country and law would take its own course if anyone tried to divide Indians.
“Regionalism is raising its ugly head in some parts of the country, which is not in keeping with the spirit of national unity”, Patil said while addressing a function in connection with the death anniversary of freedom fighter Parbodh Chander, father of Union Minister Ashwani Kumar on Friday.
Without taking the name of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Chief Raj Thackeray, he said the law would take its course if someone tried to create a rift between Indians.
“All of us are Indians and regional chauvinism will not strengthen us as a nation. We should curb this trend of being parochial and regional”, Patil, who hails from Maharashtra, said.
“We are Indians first and whatever our religion, region or state or language are, they come next”, the Home Minister said.
Patil said the government would not allow anyone to disturb law and order. “Anyone trying to disturb peace will commit a mistake”, he said.
Earlier speaking at a Communal Harmony day function, Patil said though India has people who believe in different religions and culture and speak different languages they remain Indians and they should maintain communal harmony”.