Existing Central forces will suffice, Gill tells Advani

The National Commission for Minorities today told leading US human rights officials that the violence in Gujarat should not be construed as a ‘‘permanent phase’’ in the country.

In another development, K.P.S. Gill, dispatched to Gujarat by the Centre to return normalcy in the state, today met Home Minister L K Advani in New Delhi. A Ministry official said Gill told Advani that more Central forces would not be needed for Gujarat. Gill was quoted as having said the existing strength was adequate to police the affected areas.

According to sources, a US delegation comprising of assistant secretary Michael Parmly dealing with racial affairs and human rights met the National Commission for Minorities to learn about issues concerning minorities in the country. ‘‘In a meeting which lasted for about 90 minutes they discussed the recent events involving the minority communities. We have told them that isolated incidents such as Gujarat cannot be seen as permanent phase in the country,’’ the sources added.