MUMBAI (Reuters – Indians can freely practice their faith, and there’s no increasing intolerance among religious communities. These statements were made by the minister of minority affairs in India in an interview that was published Sunday amid religious riots across the country.

Injuring many people including six officers, religious clashes broke forth during the Hindu procession to New Delhi. These incidents occurred just days after violence was reported in three other Indian states.

Mukhtar Naqvi (Minority Affairs Minister) is part of Prime Minster Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government. He told The Economic Times that fringe elements who cannot digest peace and prosperity in India, tried to discredit India’s inclusive culture, and its commitment.

Recent weeks have seen small scale religious riots between members of the majority Hindu community and those from the minority Muslim community. These erupted during processions that took place in certain parts of the country. A few university students from New Delhi, India, fought over the non-vegetarian meals served at the hostel in a week Hindus believe is auspicious.

It is not the role of government to dictate what people eat. Naqvi stated that every citizen in this country has the right to choose their own food.

Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, which is based in Modi has energised hardline religious groups by encouraging them to support Hinduism.

An uproar erupted earlier in the month when Muslim students were seen wearing headscarves while attending school in Karnataka’s south state. This is the home of the nation’s technology capital Bengaluru.

India’s opposition parties expressed concern that Modi’s Modi regime is making multi-faith India less accepting of Hindus, but also with large minorities like over 200 million Muslims and more, publicly on Saturday.

India does not ban hijab. Hijab can be worn in markets or other public places. Each college has its own dress code and discipline. This is something we will need to agree with. Naqvi stated that if it is not what you like, you have the option to choose another institution.”