CM urges Centre to convene meeting of CMs and Home Ministers

Bangalore, Jul 28 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today said a seperate Anti-Terrorist Cell (ATC) would be set up soon and urged the Centre to convene a meeting of Chief Ministers and Home Ministers to discuss measures to curb terrorism.

Replying to a discussion in the Legislative Council on serial bomb blasts that rocked Bangalore on July 25, in which a woman was killed and eight others injured, the Chief Minister said he would be writing to the Prime Minister in this regard shortly.

Reiterating that he would press for reintroduction of POTA by the Centre, Mr Yeddyurappa said the state was ready to introduce Karnataka Organised Crime Act (KOCA) to curb terrorism.

He said the ATC would be provided autonomous status with modern weapons and trained man power. Steps were already being taken to install Close Circuit Televisions near vulnerable areas, he added.

Welcoming a suggestion from Mr M C Nanaiah (JD-S), the Chief Minister said steps would be taken to set up a Southern States Corridor and hold regular meeting of Chief Ministers and concerned officers to exchange notes on terrorism.

UNI MSP VV GL HT2150