Hyderabad, Dec 29: Asserting that his government endeavoured to maintain peace and communal harmony among various groups and religions, Andhra Pradesh chief minister C Chandrababu Naidu today said, "We should respect each other's religion and sentiments to lead a peaceful and prosperous life.”

"Hindus and Muslims are my two eyes and it is my fundamental duty to protect life and property of my people," Naidu said and stressed on religious harmony for overall development of the country, while delivering the valedictory address at the 11th convention of American Federation of Muslims of Indian origin (AFMI) here. Naidu said that TDP government's primary aim was to provide basic facilities to all weaker sections including minorities in getting education. In this direction the government has introduced mid-day meal for all government schools and now it is the responsibility of parents to encourage their children in going to school.

The government is extending and implementing all that it could in achieving cent-percent literacy by 2005 and also the Vision 2020 for the overall development of the state, Naidu said, advising voluntary and philonthropic organisations to come forward and shoulder the burden in this sector.

Bureau Report