Karnataka suggests POTA like central legislation on terrorism

New Delhi, Oct 13 (UNI) Seeking a POTA like central legislation to firmly deal with terrorism and other high-tech crimes, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today urged the Centre to be ''proactive'' in extending assistance to the state governments to face the menace.

Besides, the Union Government must take effective steps to stop infiltration of terrorists from across the western and eastern borders of the country. In addition, all foreigners overstaying and 'fomenting communal trouble' must be identified and deported, Mr Yeddyurappa told the National Integration Council meeting here.

Keeping up the BJP line for a stiff anti-terror law, he reminded that even the Administrative Reforms Commission headed by Congress leader Veerappa Moily had strongly supported the need for such a legislation. ''Let us incorporate in such law whatever safeguards are needed to prevent its misuse,'' he said.

Similarly, he also reiterated the BJP line that there was need to have a federal law and a separate federal agency to deal with terrorist acts, organised and cyber crimes.

But at the same time, he also expressed his concern over forced conversions and sought a central legislation to prevent such ''religious conversions''.

On the issue of foreigners, the Chief Minister suggested stringent visa norms as done by the US and European countries for ''citizens of certain nations harbouring terrorists''.

Listing some of the steps taken by his government in the state to check violence and combat organised crimes, he called for a national citizen register and said Karnataka was ready to become the pilot state for issuing of multi-purpose national identity card.

Emphasising the need for a coordination among intelligence agencies on terrorism, he said police must be equipped with sophisticated arms and ammunition so that it could effectively curb terrorism.

UNI KAS PK NS1407