Won't Talk with Any Group indulging in Violence: Rajnath

Guwahati, Jan 12 (IANS) Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday reiterated the central government's zero tolerance policy against terror activities, and ruled out any negotiation with groups indulging in violence.

"The doors are open for talks. But the government will not talk to any group that indulges in violence," Rajnath Singh said during the concluding ceremony of the National Youth Festival here.

The home minister called upon the youth to wipe out violence from the country, saying there was no place for violence in democracy.

"Here we have a democracy, and there is no place for violence in a democracy. However, innocent civilians are being killed in Assam," Rajnath Singh said.

He also urged sportspersons and the youth of the region to campaign to eradicate the drug menace.

"The government has taken steps to create employment opportunities. The central and state governments would work in cooperation to provide employment to the youth," the home minister said.

He recalled the role of Swami Vivekananda in working for world peace, and termed him "the first global youth who tried to bind the citizens of the world through the message of universal brotherhood and peace".

"Swami Vivekananda is the source of inspiration for the youth of the entire world.

"I need the support and cooperation of the youth to stop this. Violence has to end. Violence won't be tolerated, no matter how big a group may think itself to be," he said.

The home minister said the National Youth Festival was held in Guwahati to dispel the feeling that the northeast was disconnected from the rest of India.

"Nobody can disconnect the northeast from the rest of India. That was also the reason why the last conclave of the state police chiefs was held here," he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of state for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, who was also in the city to attend the festival, said the All India Radio (AIR) was reaching out to higher areas in the northeast and his ministry will encourage setting up of community radio in border areas.

"Three more channels are coming up in the northeast region," he said.