The Centre has declined to act on a plea by Goa Congress, that demanded Sanatan Sanstha be declared a "terrorist organisation" and a ban imposed on it, saying "public order and police" are responsibility of state governments.
Union Home Ministry, in a communication to Goa Pradesh Congress Committee, has said "public order and police" are primarily responsibility of state governments.
The Ministry was responding to a representation made by the Goa Congress on November 23, 2015 seeking classification of Sanatan Sanstha as a "terrorist organisation" and imposition of a ban on it.
The state Congress had made the demand after a member of the Goa-headquartered right-wing outfit was arrested for alleged involvement in the murder of Communist leader Govind Pansare in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district early last year.
The outfit has denied any role in the murder. In the past too, the Sanstha has been linked to illegal activities, but the organisation has claimed it was only involved in works related to Hindu religion.
Under Secretary (Home) M P Singh, in the communication to GPCC General Secretary Sunil Kawathankar, has said the Central Government has issued guidelines on maintaining communal harmony and these are reiterated from time to time.
