§ Mr. KhabraTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the number of religious places, private property and citizens which have been attacked where the attack has been linked to the438W Babri Masjid mosque incident; and what arrangements have been made for the protection of religious places, private property and citizens.
§ Mr. Charles WardleI am aware of 34 attacks on Muslim, Hindu or Sikh people and property since the Babri Masjid mosque incident.
Police efforts to protect religious places are the responsibility of chief officers, working with the local community. All forces are in contact with local community leaders to provide them with advice on the protection of vulnerable targets. Where appropriate, specific measures have been taken, such as the assignment of officers to the protection of certain places, a telephone hotline and closed circuit television cameras.
My right hon. and learned Friend met leaders of the Hindu and Muslim communities on 10 December to discuss with them these incidents. Following that meeting, they issued a joint statement condemning violence and calling for restraint.