Govt assures RS of security to NE TV

New Delhi, Mar 7 (UNI) The government came under fire in Rajya Sabha today on the issue of security to NE TV owner in Asom in the wake of the ULFA threat to him, even as the Centre assured the members that it would do everything possible for his safety.

The matter was raised during Zero Hour by Mr Digvijay Singh (JD-U) who alleged that the ULFA had withdrawn their threat of not allowing the national games in Asom after money was paid to them.

He said when this was disclosed by the NE Television, the company's telecast rights were withdrawn by the government.

In addition, the owner of the NE Television, was threatened by ULFA to leave Asom or his TV station would be ''bombed''.

Mr S S Ahluwalia (BJP) supported Mr Singh and urged the government to take note of the matter and provide security to him.

Home Minister Shivraj Patil, who was present in the House, said since law and order was a state subject, he would ask the state government to take adequate steps.

If not, the centre would then decide what could be done, he added.

Earlier, Mr Raula Chandrasekhara Rao (TDP) tried to raise the matter of ''undeclared emergency'' in Andhra Pradesh and the ''gagging'' of the media by the state government.

However, Deputy Chairman K Rahman Khan did not allow Mr Rao to raise the matter saying it could be raised when a ''structured discussion'' takes place on the subject.

UNI