New Delhi:Monday, October 13, 2008:Home Minister Shri Himmat Kothari, while addressing a meeting of National Integration Council, has urged the Union government to approve Madhya Pradesh Oganised Crime Control Act (MOCCOCA) at the earliest. Shri Kothari said that it was Madhya Pradesh which took the lead in launching an onslaught on the elements who led and harboured members of such divisive forces as SIMI. Madhya Pradesh also pioneered in constituting Anti-Terrorism Cell. He noted that Madhya Pradesh has been regarded as one of top five states of the country in connection with maintenance of law and order by various independent observers. However, the need for a stricter law is being felt for dealing with terrorism in the present scenario.
Shri Kothari further said that Madhya Pradesh government has approved the setting up of a special ‘Hawk Force’ to deal with the problem of Naxalism. Besides, specialised training has been imparted and better weapons and resources provided to jawans of Special Armed Force (SAF) to deal with critical situations. Anti-Naxalite campaign has been successfully carried out in the state. That is why; Naxalites have failed to commit any major incident in Madhya Pradesh. Effective steps have also been taken to curb dacoit menace in northern parts of the state and many notorious dacoits gangs have been eliminated.
The Home Minister laid emphasis on cooperation of all the sections of society in strengthening national unity and integrity. The aim of the state government is to weaken the forces fanning any type of communalism. For this creation of equality-oriented economic development of society is necessary and it was imperative to protect the interests of weaker sections and providing direct protection to them. He said that the roots of national unity and integration can be strengthened only through ensuring equal justice and avoiding appeasement.
Shri Kothari said that terrorism has no caste or religion. Therefore, the only aim should be to identify the elements, which are out to weaken the country and these elements should be eliminated by making joint efforts. He drew the Prime Minister’s attention to the threat posed to internal security of the country by infiltrators and said that the issues pertaining to national identity and existence should be considered rising above political considerations. Referring to the offer made by the Vice Chancellor of a university to provide legal assistance to students allegedly indulged in terrorist activities. Shri Kothari said that encouragement to such educational institutions would not lead to good results. Shri Kothari also drew the Prime Minister’s attention to non-approval of Madhya Pradesh Dharm Swatantra Vidheyak 2006 by the Central Government. He said that enactment of this bill would greatly help resolve the disputes arising out of religious conversions by enticement.