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'Justice cannot and shall not be denied'

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee vowed on Saturday to bring to book the criminals involved in the recent sectarian violence in various parts of the country.

In an address (click for full text) to the nation, Vajpayee made clear his resolve to protect all sections.

"We shall bring the criminals to book. This is our duty. It is my pledge," he said. "My government will go to any length to keep this pledge."

Vajpayee, who had undertaken a day-long fast to promote social harmony, favoured a trial of the accused on a "day-to-day basis".

"Justice cannot and shall not be delayed," he said.

He said the attacks violate India's tradition and culture of tolerance and the spirit of sarva panth samabhav (social harmony).

"The laws of our land are clear and they will be enforced without exception, and to the fullest degree," Vajpayee asserted.

He said there is a large reservoir of goodwill, understanding and amity among the followers of different religions. "We must resolve to enlarge and deepen this precious reservoir. [But] this cannot be done by the government alone. Maintaining and strengthening peace and harmony is also the responsibility of citizens," he said.

UNI

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