BJP-ruled MP seeks revival of POTA with safequards

New Delhi, Dec 20 (UNI) The BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh today demanded revival of Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) with safequards against its abuse but at the same time said it was considering enacting a state-level anti-terror law with the Centre's permission.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also opposed creation of a federal investigative agency, saying in view of the diversity of the country it was essential to have special investigative teams for each state instead of a central agency.

Speaking at the chief ministers' conference on internal security here, he said his government was considering legislating the " Prevention of Terrorist and Disruptive Activities and Organised Criminal Control Act" but added it would be sent to the Centre for "prior permission" before it was tabled in the state Assembly.

Describing naxalism and terrorism as threat to peace and development, the chief minister said states and Centre should jointly combat the twin threat as also other separatist movements in the country with an iron hand. He also underlined the need to get at the root causes of these evils and to eliminate them.

Seeking more Central assistance like most other states, Mr Chouhan, however, said expenditure on internal security should be brought in the ambit of "planned expenditure" instead of non-plan expenditure as is the case now.

UNI