India committed to protect religious minorities` rights: PM

Marseilles, Sep 29 (PTI) The recent attacks on
Christians and churches in Orissa and Karnataka came up during
the India-E.U. summit here when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
assured the European community that India was committed to
protecting the religious rights of all minorities.

Apparently satisfied by the assurance, French
President Nicolas Sarkozy said they were greatly reassured by
the Prime Minister on the treatment of Christians. "He (Singh)
is a great man and he proved it again," he said.

Recalling that he had termed these incidents as a
"national shame", Singh said at a joint press conference with
the French President and the European Commission (E.C.)
President Manuel Barrosa that India is a secular, multi-racial
and multi-religious country.

The Indian Constitution guarantees all the minorities
the freedom to profess and propagate the religion of their
choice.

Referring to these attacks, he said there had been
some incidents in some parts of the country and the Centre had
taken a firm stand on them. The Central Government had sent
its forces to the states to enable in ensuring law and order.

"I would like to reaffirm that the Govermment of India
stands firm in defence of the secular values which are the
foundation of our constitution of India that respects all
minorities to profess and propagate the religion of their
choice", Singh said.

To a question about the problem over wearing of
turbans by Sikhs in France, the French President said France
respects Sikhs and welcomes them.

"But we have rules concerning the neutrality of civil
servants and secularism. The rules apply to all in the
territory of France. This applies to everybody with no
exception. But there is no discrimination and Sikhs are
welcome.

"We respect their traditions and customs and I hope
they also respect France's rules," he said.

He, however, said there could be no comparison between
the Sikh issue and the attacks on Christians.