PM asks for states' support to enforce law and order

New Delhi, Oct 30 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday said the central government needs 'active cooperation' of the state governments to enforce law and order in various parts of the country.

Manmohan Singh's remarks came two days after a Delhi-bound train was hijacked by Maoist guerrillas in West Bengal, demanding release of their leader Chhattradhar Mahato.

"We are a democracy. Also there are occasions when there are differences of opinion among leaders in our own coalition. Law and order is primary responsibility of every civilised state and whatever comes in the way of maintenance and enforcement of law and order will be dealt as it is ought to be dealt with," Manmohan Singh said at the HT Leadership Summit here.

The prime minister was replying to a question on Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee's "support" to Maoists following the hijacking of the Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express complicated the central government's approach in dealing with the Maoist menace.

"India of tomorrow cannot be built from New Delhi alone. We need active cooperation of state governments and that applies not only to developmental process but also enforcement of law and order. We will work with all state governments regardless of their political complexion to strengthen process of law and order," Manmohan Singh said.

The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) had Thursday asked Manmohan Singh to probe the "support" given by Trinamool Congress ministers to Maoist rebels in West Bengal.

The CPI-M had alleged a conspiracy behind the train hold-up in West Midnapore, referring to the hours-long blockade of the Bhubaneswar-Delhi Rajdhani Express.

--IANS