Migrant remark: Full text of Chidambaram’s statement

The following is the text of the statement that Union Home Minister P Chidambaram made in New Delhi on Monday regarding his reply to a question about the recent incidents of rape in Delhi and alleged failure of Delhi Police.

“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. 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.

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. I have nothing against migration or migrants,being a migrant myself. I was pointing to ‘behaviour that is unacceptable’. 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.”