UP govt brushes aside oppn criticism of law and order scenario

Putting up a bold face in the wake of strident opposition attack on law and order front, Uttar Pradesh government today claimed the situation has remained under control and communalism has been dealt with full force.
The government has taken "prompt action for controlling crimes and maintaining law and order. There is rule of law in the state, though several attempts have been made to create anarchy during the previous years...(government) remained successful in maintaining social harmony."
This was stated in Governor Ram Naik's address to both Houses of the state legislature on the opening day of the over month-long Budget session.

"It is the firm determination of my government that communalism cannot be tolerated at any cost," the address -- a policy document drafted by the state government -- said, adding that some small incidents of communal tension came to light which were controlled by quick action and the alert police.
Describing communalism as a cancer, the address noted that it was the worst enemy of peace and people should get full guarantee for protection of their culture, prayer pattern, traditions and language.
"Efforts are being made by communal elements to create communal frenzy in the state. They will not become successful in their design. The present government has done the work of removing communalism with its full force and economic development has been ensured to minority groups," it said.

Naxal activities and smuggling of counterfeit currency have also been controlled, the address noted.
It cited various steps taken by the government to improve policing like setting up of high-tech control rooms and linking police stations and control rooms, cyber crime units and crime branch in all the districts.