Date:28/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/28/stories/2007122851110300.htm

New Delhi

“Approach Centre officially”

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Wednesday said the West Bengal government could approach the Union government “officially” if it needed any assistance for providing security to Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen, who is now lodged in an undisclosed location.

Reacting to veteran Marxist leader Jyoti Basu’s remarks on Tuesday that the Centre would have to provide security to Ms. Nasreen if she chose to return to West Bengal, Congress spokesman Shakeel Ahmed told mediapersons that law and order was basically the responsibility of States.

However, if a State government felt there could be public disorder, then it could take its own decision.

“If a State government feels that someone is important and wants to keep that person in the State but cannot provide security, then the Home Ministry could be approached by it.”

Mr. Ahmed said, “If any recommendation or proposal comes from the State government officially, then the Central government and the Home Ministry could look into it and provide necessary assistance.”