New Delhi: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on July 14 night fully backed its ally Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) chief Vaiko criticising the Tamil Nadu government's action of arresting him under Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) and indicating that further safeguards could be considered for the tough anti- terrorism law.

"Based on our experience (in Vaiko case), we could consider more safeguards," NDA convenor and Defence Minister George Fernandes told reporters after a meeting of the ruling coalition.

The NDA, after initial hesitation, came out openly in support of Vaiko and unanimously adopted a resolution saying POTA was "not meant for the purpose it has been used in his case".

"NDA would like to emphasise that this law was not meant for the purpose it has been used in the case of Vaiko," Fernandes said, adding that the NDA was gravely concerned over his arrest and POTA was "enacted to deal with those indulging in terrorist activities in the country".

PTI