M A I N   N E W S

Swami defends Modi govt
Tribune News Service

Gurgaon, March 25
In an apparent move to shield the BJP government in Gujarat, the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Mr I.D. Swami, today criticised the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for “misreading” the statement of Chief Minister Narender Modi with regard to tackling of post-Godhra incidents in the state.

Also, just when Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee appeared to have smoothened the ruffled feathers within the NDA, even if temporarily before the run-up to the joint session of Parliament to ensure the passage of POTO Bill on March 26, Mr Swami supported the statement from the RSS that the minorities should be on the right side of the majority to ensure their safety in the country.

He was here to attend a public function organised by SNS Foundation, a voluntary organisation active in the field of education.

Mr Swami said Mr Modi had only stated that his government had brought the post-Godhra violence in the state under control within 72 hours. Mr Modi had not claimed that his government had completely arrested the tide of violence. The state Chief Minister had only compared the response and effectiveness of his government to those of his predecessors which had not been able to achieve it when the riots took place during their tenure.

Regarding the NHRC, he said its role would come into play only if the enacted law was misused by the implementing authorities. He wondered why such a hullaboo was created on POTO when the Law Commission had recommended for such a piece of law. Also, the UNO has mandated the member states to enact stringent laws to deal with international terrorism. He said even after the enactment of POTO, it was the states which would be implementing it in their areas of jurisdictions.

In response to a specific question on the possible pull out of the forces from the frontal position, he said that the Centre would wait to see till the summer to assess the ground reality. It wanted to give Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf time to see how sincere he was in implementing his public announcement with regard to acting against the terrorists. So far there was no ground for optimism, he added.

PM announces package for HP
Tribune News Service

Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee addresses mediapersons at Shimla before returning to Delhi on Monday. Himachal Chief Minister P. K. Dhumal is also seen in the picture. — Photo Anil Dayal

Talking to mediapersons before his departure to New Delhi after a two-day visit to the state capital, Mr Vajpayee announced the grant of additional funds under several schemes to help the state to tide over its financial crisis. The state will receive Rs 50 crore under the Valmiki Ambedkar Shehari Awas Yojana for building houses for weaker sections and an additional Rs 50 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana on the basis of its good performance. He said an amount of Rs 30 crore would be given for the expansion of airport at Kulu.