New Delhi: NDA (National Democratic Alliance) today (Apr 8, 2004) said it would work to enact a Central law and constitute a federal agency to deal with federal crimes even as it noted a "significant reduction" in communal and caste violence in last five years of its rule.

Maintaining that national security, both external and internal, will continue to be the top priority of NDA Government, the coalition in its election manifesto released in New Delhi asserted that cross-border terrorism will be eliminated along with Left-wing extremism.

The manifesto also talks about modernising police and security forces and making them "more people-friendly" and "more sensitive" towards the grievances of the poor, weaker sections of the society and women.

"There has been a significant reduction of communal and caste violence in the past five years. Our Government shall further strengthen and stabilise this trend and work towards realising our vision of a riot-free India," it said.

"We will build political consensus to enact a central law and constitute a federal agency to deal with federal crimes," the manifesto said.

The multi-pronged strategy to eliminate the growing menace of Left-wing extremism, which extends from Nepal border to Andhra Pradesh, will be more effectively implemented, NDA said, adding its Government will encourage the misguided youth who have joined various naxal organisations to give up the path of violence.

Development activities in affected areas will be intensified with people's participation, it said.