Review panel to report on Thackeray8217;s security

MUMBAI, MARCH 21: Speaker of the Assembly Arun Gujarathi today told the House a review panel would report on the status of security to Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray within a fortnight and action would be taken on the basis of new evidence submitted against Abdul Asim Azmi in 15 days. He also said the government would clear the dues of cotton farmers within three days and that of onion farmers within one month.

Making a statement in the House, after the leader of opposition reminded him at the beggining of the day8217;s proceedings that the former was to make a statement on the consensus on four issues between the Opposition and the ruling alliance in a meeting held on Monday, Gujarathi informed the House that the Government had enough money to clear the dues of cotton farmers. He said the cotton procurement centres would buy the crop till March 31. He said likewise onion procurement had also been restarted.

On the issue of Thackeray8217;s security, Gujarathi said the security review panel would report to the Government on the status of security cover to Thackeray within 15 days. He said fresh evidence available against Azmi would be examined and action taken accordingly in a fortnight.