Chidambaram ‘withdraws’ controversial migrant remar

NEW DELHI - After facing severe criticism for blaming migrant labour for crimes in Delhi, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Monday said he was dismayed by how people had pounced on his statement.

Clarifying the ‘migrant’ comment, Chidambaram said he had nothing against migrants, and in fact, said he was a migrant himself.

“This morning, I was asked a question about the recent incidents of rape in Delhi and the alleged failure of the Delhi Police. I gave a detailed reply. In the course of my reply, I made a matter-of-fact reference to migration, unauthorised settlements and behaviour that is unacceptable,” he asid.

“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 acutely conscious that every one who comes to work in Delhi is, in a sense, a migrant. I am a migrant myself,” he added

I am dismayed that some people have pounced upon the word ‘migrant’ and raised a controversy. The country faces many real issues, and I have no desire to say or do anything that will distract from the real issues.

He said: “I have nothing against migrants. I was only talking about certain behavioral aspects. I’m 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.

“I would request every one, including the Delhi Police, to focus on the real issues of crime, crime prevention and crime detection,” he added.

Chidambaram was reacting after an 18-year-old girl was gang raped on Sunday in a moving car.

This is the fourth case of gangrape in the last month, shocking Delhiites and raising concerns over the safety of women in the capital. (ANI)