The Communist Party of India (CPI) has demanded harsh punishment for those who committed acts of violence against Muslims in the country.

Questioning the ‘enigmatic silence’ of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the communal violence that erupted in Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states, the party also criticized the Hindu extremists’ use of religious festivals to promote communal politics.

The party said the communal violence during processions on the occasion of Ram Navami in several states in India is a matter of deep concern.

It said there have been highly objectionable incidents such as in Bihar where a saffron flag has been planted on a mosque in the presence of the police. In Delhi, Sangh Parivar activists attacked mess workers in a hostel canteen of a university to prevent them from serving non-vegetarian food and then attacked students who came to their rescue.