Date:22/09/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/09/22/stories/2005092210920400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Existing laws can tackle naxalites: Karunanidhi

Special Correspondent

The DMK chief wants police to maintain vigil in State

CHENNAI: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president M. Karunanidhi on Wednesday asked why Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had sought re-enactment of a draconian law like the Prevention of Terrorism Act, when she claimed that there was no naxalite activity in the State.

Asked if such a law was warranted in States affected by the naxalite problem, he said existing criminal laws were sufficient to deal with the issue.

Mr. Karunanidhi was talking to reporters after chairing a meeting of DMK legislators at Anna Arivalayam.

He wanted the police to maintain vigil because naxalites were active in neighbouring States.

Unemployment and poverty

He said socio-economic reasons that laid the ground for naxalism needs to be tackled. Unemployment and poverty and the resulting desperation were among reasons that drove the youth to extremism. If only a few people were part of such a movement, it would have been a different issue.

But when hundreds were joining such a movement, it could be because they were left with no other alternative.

Electoral rolls

On the lack of action by the Election Commission against those responsible for stuffing of electoral rolls, Mr. Karunanidhi said the DMK had waited patiently.

Once it was clear that it would not yield results, the party approached the Madras High Court.

It had no other option. The petition was aimed at encouraging the Election Commission to act fast.

Women's reservation

About the response to the DMK women's rally to press for women's reservation in Parliament and other elected bodies, Mr. Karunanidhi said the party would wait and watch.

A resolution adopted at the rally had been handed over to the Governor to be forwarded to the Centre. The DMK members would voice their views on issues figuring in the Assembly, Mr. Karunanidhi said.

He expected the Chief Minister to explain the allocations made for schemes she had announced in the recent past.

Entrance examinations

Asked if the DMK would take up the professional courses entrance examination issue, party general secretary K. Anbazhagan said a good response could be expected only from a Government that was concerned about the fate of students.