People should unite against intolerance: CM

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said that attempts were being made to create an "atmosphere of intolerance" in the country and urged the people to stand united.

In a message on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, she said no one will be allowed to create division among people.

"There are times when one has to show courage and conviction. Attempts are being made to create an atmosphere of intolerance. We believe we are united; we are for all. We are insaan first, Hindus, Muslims or Christians later", she said.

"We work for all, whether they are Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs or Jains", she said. "We will keep defending humanity as long as we are alive.

We will not allow anyone to create any division between people. We all stand united. No one can break us. We are for all and we fight for all", Banerjee said.

She further added that there was a need to maintain harmony. "I pray for the good and health and well-being of everyone", she said. The Chief Minister addressed a gathering in connection with the celebration of Eid on Red Road on Monday morning. She also joined another programme to observe Eid on Collins Lane where Mayor Sovan Chatterjee was also present. Without naming either the BJP or Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said: "They are spreading the venom of intolerance has been spread throughout the country and which has made most of the people unhappy and is causing great pain to the nation."

It may be mentioned that the Chief Minister had over and over spoken about religious tolerance and urged the people to maintain communal harmony. She had severely criticised the intervention of some in the food habits of others. "What I will eat or what I will wear is my prerogative and no one has any right to intervene," she had said earlier.

Banerjee has taken part in the religious festivals of all the communities and showed respect to people belonging to different sects and religion.

Meanwhile, Eid was observed throughout the state with pomp and gaiety. People belonging to different communities embraced each other as a gesture of peace and brotherhood.

Dressed in traditional attire, the Muslim community members celebrated Eid with religious fervour.

Since morning, people gathered at mosques, including the city's main Nakhoda Masjid, to offer prayers and greet one another on the auspicious occasion.

The festival marked the end of Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

After prayers and a breakfast of dates and sweets, Muslim families got together for their first midday meal in a month.

Eid celebrations took place in Raja Bazaar, Park Circus and Khidderpore. The sprawling Red Road in Kolkata saw a huge number of faithfuls sitting on rugs and offering prayers.

Kolkata's Kabuliwallas celebrated Eid at the Maidan by performing their traditional dance.