As the Narendra Modi government came under fire from the Opposition in Rajya Sabha on Friday, with a demand for a House committee to probe a recent incident involving two cattle traders from the minority community in BJP-ruled Jharkhand, the government urged Opposition members to refrain from making “sweeping statements” and making it a communal issue. The minority affairs ministry, which assured to look into the matter, also faced criticism for failing to protect minorities’ interests, even as the government suggested a short duration discussion on the communal atmosphere in the country.

It all started when JD(U)’s Gulam Rasool Balyavi raised the issue of the hanging of two minority community men in a Jharkhand village last month, during Zero Hour. He alleged that the minority community was still living in fear in the state.

Mos for minority affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said though it was an emotional issue, facts need to be ascertained. He said that he would speak to the Jharkhand government to find the truth behind the incident.

This led to angry protests by almost the entire Opposition, with Congress members trooping into the Well of the House.

Minority affairs minister Najma Heptulla also tried to assure the House, saying she will write a letter to the state chief minister and inquire about the facts of the incident.

Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said he had written a letter to the Prime Minister over the issue but no action was taken. He said dozens of settlements were set on fire and people attacked by mobs following the incident and “still Naqvi is talking about the verifying authenticity. ... It is shameful ... BJP should be ashamed,” he added.

Mr Naqvi then requested members that it needs to be kept in mind that peace in the country should not be disturbed.