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Updated: Nov 01, 2015 21:10 IST

Amid the controversy surrounding the ‘growing intolerance’ in the country, Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday sought suggestions from protesting scholars, littérateurs, artistes and scientists on the issue.

While asking them not to return their awards, the Union home minister said they should seek an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the matter.

Speaking as the chief guest in a programme of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidwat Parishad, Singh said, “Litterateurs, scientists and those who feel that intolerance has increased in the country during the last 17 months should point out the reasons that led to it and suggestions to deal with it. The government will welcome the suggestions and implement them (to resolve the matter).”

“It will be better if you people (writers, historians and scientists) seek an appointment with PM Modi and apprise him of the factors giving rise to intolerance and offer suggestions to contain the same,” Singh further said.

The Union home minister assured the protesting writers, artistes and others that their suggestions would be considered and all possible steps (based on their suggestions) would be taken for social and communal harmony.

He also said targeting the Prime Minister over the matter was not appropriate.

“Targeting the Prime Minister or the central government is beyond my understanding, but we are open to suggestions,” Singh added.

Singh expressed same views while interacting with media persons at the Circuit House later.

The home minister termed lathi charge on sadhus and batuks (Vedic scholars) at Godaulia intersection on September 22 as unfortunate.

He said he was attending the event (Akhil Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad) to learn from all intellectuals present there.

Read:Jaitley accuses Cong of ‘ideological intolerance’ against PM Modi