Modi moots setting a separate Intelligence Service like IAS, IPS

New Delhi, Sep 21 (UNI) Calling for a zero tolerance policy on terrorism, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today proposed setting up of a separate Indian Intelligence Service, on the lines of the IAS and IPS.

He said in view of terror attacks rocking several parts of the country, intelligence gathering should be carried out professionally and mooted for a separate service for the purpose.

He also stressed that terrorism should be dealt with force.

''There should be zero tolerance on terrorism. We cannot combat terrorism without creating this public opinion,'' he said in an interview to ''Aaj Tak''.

Attacking the Centre for ''playing vote-bank politics'' by not approving the Gujarat Control of Organised Crime) Act, enacted by the Gujarat Assembly, Mr Modi said when Maharashtra has a similar Act, why not Gujarat.

''No country can be like this where one state can have a certain law and another cannot. This is what the politics of vote banks lead to,'' he said.

When pointed out that there were apprehensions about misuse of such a law, an agitated Chief Minister said,''How can justice be served when you cannot control terrorists taking lives but two suspects cannot be investigated because of lack of a law. Those who favour terrorism oppose such a law, and those who oppose terrorism want it.'' Asked about his role in the success of yesterday's encounter in Delhi's Jamia nagar in which two blast suspects were killed and as many nabbed, he said the police had worked very professionally. ''I passed on the information that I had related to terrorism to the Home Minister and the Prime Minister. I have vouched not to use terrorism as a political ploy,'' he reaffirmed and added Gujarat Police works in the national interest.

Queried about the US denying him a visa for the second time, Mr Modi termed the reports ''hogwash''.''I have not applied for an American visa, so the the question of denial does not arise,'' a miffed Modi said.

The US had denied him a visa three years ago, holding him responsible for largescale human rights abuse during the post-Godhra communal riots of 2002.

When asked to give a message to the terrorists, Mr Modi in his usual grandiose manner, said,''Foolish are those that deliver messages to terrorists. With them, there can be only action.'' The interview will be telecast on the channel at 2000hrs tonight and repeated at 1530 hrs tomorrow.

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