Sonia calls for all out war against terror

Nainital, Sept 23: Congress President Sonia Gandhi today asked the UPA government to launch an all-out war against terrorism but cautioned that the anti-terror action in the country should not lead to polarisation of the society.

No community should feel that it was under siege and should not become an automatic target, she said, inaugurating a two-day conclave of Congress Chief Ministers here.

However, Ms Gandhi said there should be no laxity in the fight against terrorism. Internal security must be on the top of the agenda of all state government, she added.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi said the government would soon announce a relief package for the states from where farmers suicides on a large scale have been reported in recent months.

She recalled that Pradesh Congress chiefs of states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh had recently met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and sought a package for the farmers in their states. ''The Prime Minister has responded favourably and you can expect an announcement soon," she added.

Setting the tone for discussions at the conclave, she said agriculture and internal security would be the two issues that would be debated threadbare at the meet.

The Prime Minister, senior central ministers, the Chief Ministers of 14 Congress-ruled states and top AICC functionaries are taking part in the meeting, being held in this scenic tourist resort of Uttaranchal amid tight security.

UNI