31.

Communalism cannot be appeased, it has to be overcome. With specific reference to India, suggest six ways in which communalism can be overcome. 

The ways are enumerated below:

i. A ban should be imposed on all communal organisations and communal political parties. The Election Commission should prohibit all sorts of electoral campaign on communal line. The political parties should have a code of conduct not to indulge in communal activities.

ii. Proper use of mass media both print and electronics, should be made to spread the message of religious tolerance, secularism, and common brotherhood. In case there is a communal riot, the victims should not be identified either as Hindus, Muslims or Sikhs. The mass media must provide reliable information’s to the people instead of publishing sensational news.

iii. There should be separation of religion from politics.

iv. Foreign intervention should be carefully watched and prevented from encouraging communalism in India.

v. Preventive measures should be taken in riot-prone areas. Special anti-riot police force should be raised, trained and deployed in these areas.

vi.In case the communal riots are caused, the local administration should be given clear instruction to control and to prevent riots in its areas. Moreover, special courts should be established for trying and punishing guilty persons who have organised riots in the locality.