Wednesday, May 25 2005 07:57 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bhopal: Announcing plans to tackle naxalism not only by using force but also through a unified approach involving socio-economic and political reforms, the Centre yesterday (May 24, 2005) said a comprehensive law would be brought to curb communal violence.

"While dealing with naxalism, the emphasis should not be on using force alone. We need to adopt an unified and holistic approach for which the Centre has a plan and States should give suggestions," Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil told reporters after a meeting of the Central Zonal Council in Bhopal.

"The Centre has a 'complete' strategy for ensuring economic and social justice, removing unemployment and distribution of surplus land in naxalate affected areas," he said, adding, "but we will not stop here. Steps are being taken to upgrade police forces with induction of modern weaponry and gadgets."

Similarly, to curb communal violence and tension and ensure harmony, the Centre proposes to bring a bill, which would be given a final shape only after holding wider consultations and obtaining views of political parties, states, experts and members of the public though its draft is ready, Patil said.

"The proposed bill is not aimed against any particular organisation or group and it is not being framed in the context of any specific incident," he said.

Setting up of Special Investigation Teams (SIT) and special courts to look into communal violence is being considered under the proposed bill besides providing compensation to those affected by such incidents, he said, adding that the States were yet to put forward their views on it.

Asserting that none would be allowed to unleash fear psychosis in any part of the country, Patil said the Centre is determined to counter such threats together with the States for which necessary assistance would be given to the provinces.

Modern weapons, gadgets and vehicles are being provided to the States hit by naxalism, while some States themselves are procuring state-of-the-art weaponry, he said after the three-hour meeting attended among others by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and representatives from Chattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal.

Efforts are also on to expand the police forces with creation of more battalions and recruitment drives, Patil said adding, though States should also share the financial burden of police modernisation, some of the provinces are facing severe financial problem.

Asked if the Centre would provide helicopters to the naxal-hit States, the Minister said whenever and wherever required, choppers would be made available by the Centre for use. "More important than providing funds is to have a cooperative attitude," he said.

He said a law is also likely to be framed to implement the programmes under the National Disaster Management Authority and States should also have their own laws and disaster management authorities.

The meeting also discussed issues like trafficking in women and children, general crimes, organised and inter-State crimes, drug-trafficking and prison administration.