Govt will not tolerate communal violence: AP CM

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy on Monday called for joint efforts to fight communal forces and terrorism.

Addressing a rally of Congress workers on the occasion of the 16th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv
Gandhi at historic Charminar, Reddy said Friday's explosion in Mecca Masjid was the 'handiwork of some  fundamentalists to create a rift among various religions and disturb the peace'.

He said his government would not tolerate any such act and will curb it with heavy hand.

The chief minister appealed to the people to maintain communal harmony at any cost.

Reddy reminded people that the Congress had sacrificed its leaders, ranging from Mahatma Gandhi to Rajiv Gandhi, for the cause of nation's integrity. The party will strive hard to maintain communal peace in future also.

He complimented the people of the city who have shown restrain and helped in maintaining the peace after the explosion, which killed 11 people and wounded over 50.

Five more died when police fired at protesters who attacked shops and petrol pumps in Charminar area.