New Delhi: The Centre would effectively deal with terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir while continuing the dialogue process with "everyone" concerned and ensuring social harmony in the country, new Home Minister Shivraj Patil said today (May 24, 2004).

69-year-old Patil made it clear that Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) was "not necessary" but he will examine the issue carefully and not take any hasty measure.

The other priorities before him include dealing with the situation prevailing in the Northeast, Leftwing extremism, creating "good relations" between the Centre and the States and modernisation of police forces.

"We shall take steps which would not allow such things to happen in the manner in which they are happening (in J&K). What steps have been taken will be considered. We will continue with what has been done," Patil, a former Lok Sabha Speaker, said.

He was replying to a question on what measures the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government proposed to take in dealing with the situation in the Jammu and Kashmir especially in the wake of yesterday's landmine blast killing Border Security Force (BSF) jawans, women and children.

Asked about the dialogue with separatist Hurriyat Conference initiated by the previous National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government, he said he would like to talk "with everyone" concerned in J&K.