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Modi breaks silence on communalism, assures religious freedom for all
New Delhi, Feb 17 (IBNS) Amid several attacks on churches and a convent school in the national capital region and rows over conversions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said his government will not tolerate any religious violence and would ensure that there is complete freedom of people of all faith in India.
"Everyone has the undeniable right to retain or adopt the religion of his or her choice without coercion or undue influence. My government will ensure that there is complete freedom of faith," said Modi at church event in New Delhi.
"My government stand by every word of the avowed declaration (constitution)," said Modi. He said he condemned all violence and his government will not tolerate it.
"Government will not allow any religious group, belonging to majority or minority to incite hatred against others overtly or covertly," he said.
"Unity strengthens us. Division weakens us. I sincerely request all Indians and all of you present here to support me in this huge task," said Modi.
He said "Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore had inspired us to dream of a land where the mind is without fear and the head is held high."
He said the principle of equal respect and treatment for all faiths has been a part of India's ethos for thousands of years.
"As Swami Vivekananda said- We believe not only in universal toleration but we accept all religions as true," said Modi.
He said equal respect must be in the DNA of every Indian.
He said his mantra is development of all.
The speech of Modi assumed significance amid several attacks on churches recently while the issue of religious conversion (to Hinduism) or "ghar wapsi" propounded by saffron brigade has stoked a controversy.
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