Furious states make Govt give up on Central agency

On the question of a federal enforcement agency, not only the CMs of opposition-ruled states but even the Government’s own allies, such as Andhra Pradesh’s Chandrababu Naidu and Tamil Nadu’s M.Karunanidhi, reacted adversely, rejecting the move outright. There was no need for such an agency, they told Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Home Minister L.K.Advani at the day-long meeting held at Vigyan Bhawan here.

Even Gujarat CM Keshubhai Patel was in no mood to oblige the Centre. He suggested the Government whould set up a committee of experts to go into the issue and ensure that the move does not appear to be an attempt to encroach on the territory of states.

Advani, addressing reporters later, admitted the Government had withdrawn the proposal. On the new TADA Bill, he said the Government had taken note of the National Human Rights Commission’s observation that the existing laws to deal with terrorism were sufficient and there was no need for new laws.

Chandrababu Naidu, opposing the formation of an enforcement agency tooth and nail — his speech was read out in absentia by the state home secretary — said the Constitution enjoined upon the states to maintain law and order in their area and they were in a better position to tackle the issues effectively.

Naidu pointed out that “unlike external aggression, it is my firm belief that threat to internal security is a matter to be dealt with by the states which have their enforcement agencies in every nook and corner. However, their limitation is that their capacity to deal with the problem effectively is stifled for want of funds.”

On TADA-2, Naidu maintained that while such a law was required, care should be taken to prevent its misuse.

However, on the new terrorism Bill, Advani seems in no mood to let go so easily. Though he admitted that a number of states were opposed to the Bill, he said the Government would interact with various political parties before coming to a decision.

Haryana was among the few states which supported the new TADA Bill. But West Bengal CM Jyoti Basu — his speech was read out by the state’s chief secretary — pointed out that “from our past experience we know whatever be the safeguards provided in the (intended) law, it will be counter-productive and will meet the opposition of the party. The existing laws are sufficient to deal with terrorism.”

Earlier, inaugurating the meet, Vajpayee stressed modernisation and improvement in the set-up of state police forces. In this regard, the Government has decided to increase the annual grant to states from Rs 200 crore to Rs 1,000 crore for the next 10 years.