Jayalalithaa assails Centre's action in revoking detention orders

Criticises the Centre for reducing funds to TN for police modernisation

Tamil Nadu today assailed the Centre's action in revoking detention orders slapped by the state under stringent laws against some individuals and termed it as "encroachment upon states powers".

"Of late, there is a noticeable and unwelcome development wherein the Government of India, for ostensibly political considerations, is setting aside orders issued by the state government. We consider that this is an unnecessary encroachment upon the State's powers and will seriously compromise the maintenance of Public Order," Chief Minister Jayalalithaa hit out in her speech at NIC meeting, which was read out in her absence.

The Centre had revoked detention orders issued by the Tamil Nadu government against some individuals, including PMK MLA, J Guru. The state has challenged the Centre's decision in Madras High Court.

She criticised the Centre reducing funds to Tamil Nadu for police modernisation, remarking "I am disappointed to note that the Central share in the scheme of modernisation, which was 75 per cent, has been brought down to 60 per cent" and demanded higher allocation.

Referring to the recent call by various quarters to enact the Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence (Access to Justice and Reparations) Bill, 2011, she said "Many provisions of the Bill are vaguely worded and leave themselves open to wide subjective interpretations and hence are liable to be misused."

She said activities of communal organisations were kept under close watch by a special wing in the state intelligence and inflammatory and provocative speeches,pamphlets, audio and video CDs and other reproductions were acted against promptly.

"Fundamentalist organizations like Al Umma and All India Jihad Committee have been banned in the state. Activities of erstwhile SIMI elements are being carefully monitored," she said.