New Delhi, August 12 - Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday said the government and civil society groups must keep an eye on and protest against those who resort to violence in the name of religion to spread disharmony.

'I believe that both the government and civil society groups must continuously watch and raise our voice against groups and individuals who use violence in the name of religion,' the prime minister said at a function to present the Kabir Puraskar and National Communal Harmony Awards for the years 2007 and 2008.

The awards were given away by President Pratibha Patil.

Manmohan Singh said: 'No religion sanctions violence. No religion preaches hatred. No religion endorses animosity towards another human being. Those who use religious symbols and forums to talk of violence, sectarianism and discord cannot be said to be true spokesperson of their respective religion.'

Those present at the awards function included Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Home Minister P. Chidambaram, Leader of Opposition L.