P Chidambaram retracts ?migrant? remarks

As sharp criticism poured over Union Home minister P Chidambaram on Monday reportedly blaming migrants for rising crime in the national capital, the minister was quick to issue a clarification to end the controversy.

Chidambaram had referred to large scale migrations to New Delhi as a reason for crimes in the city when he was questioned by reporters on a recent incident of rape of an 18-year-old girl.

?There are a large number of unauthorised colonies, and these migrants who settle in unauthorised colonies, carry a kind of behaviour which is unacceptable in any modern city. So crimes do take place,? he had said.

However, as his remarks evoked strong protest, the Union minister issued a clarification.

In a statement, Chidambaram clarified that his remarks were being misconstructed.

?I may point out that when using the word ‘migrants’, I did not refer to any State or region or language or race or religion. …I am dismayed that some people have pounced upon the word ‘migrant’ and raised a controversy. … I have nothing against migration or migrants, being a migrant myself… Nevertheless, I think the best way to put an end to any controversy would be to withdraw the whole of my answer to the question, and I do so,? he said.

Chidambaram?s earlier remarks had drawn criticism from his party itself as Congress MP and son of Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Sandeep Dikshit, said the Union Home minister is not aware of the facts.

Bharatiya Janata Party?s SS Ahluwalia said, ?This is an irresponsible statement from Chidambaram and condemnable. The Congress government is trying to pass the buck for its failures.

Rashtriya Janata Dal and Samajwadi Party were also quick to condemn the minister?s remarks.