Don't give visa to James Laine: CM

Mumbai, July 18 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today said he would ask the External Affairs ministry not to give visa to writer James Laine, who wrote the controversial book 'Shivaji-the Hindu king in Islamic India', in order to maintain law and order in the state.

''I will write to the external affairs ministry not to give visa to James Laine, as his visit will create problems in maintaining law and order particularly in Maharashtra'', said Mr Deshmukh replying to a supplementary question by Dr Neelam Gorhe.

The question was asked by Sanjay Dutt (Cong) regarding the book of Mr Laine and the present status of the case.

Mr Deshmukh said the state government has already appealed against the High court's order of lifting the ban in Supreme Court and the latter court has granted the status quo.

He also said the state government's ban on the book is continuing.

UNI