CHENNAI, DEC 2: Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has warned ``mischievous'' Hindu and Muslim fundamentalists that the government would be firm in taking stringent action against them for their `anti-national' activities, and would also consider banning communal outfits in the State.

The CM was talking to mediapersons at the secretariat today about the communal flare-up in Coimbatore on Sunday which left 13 persons left dead after the murder of a Grade II traffic constable at Ukkadam. Karunanidhi said though the incident was first ignited by the Muslim fundamentalists by killing the constable, subsequently the Hindu fundamentalists retaliated and caused large scale disturbance and violence.

He denied that the police personnel revolted against the government citing the murder of the constable. ``They only demonstrated by wearing black badges to condole the constable's death,'' he said.

He said a Judicial Commission headed by former Gujarat High Court Chief Justice P R Gokulakrishnan would go into the incidents at Coimbatore.

Except for a few stray incidents, peace was returning to the industrial city even as the strength of the State police personnel posted there has been increased. CRPF personnel, air-lifted from Kerala and Karnataka, and army personnel, who rushed to the city, helped the local police in maintaining law and order.

The government has taken various steps to prevent violence and incidents that would disturb peace. Karunanidhi also said the Coimbatore Collector has been advised to immediately set up a peace committee consisting of representatives of all the parties and Hindu and Muslim communities. The officials were asked to immediately distribute the solatium announced by the Government to the families of the deceased constable and victims of violence.

To a question, the CM said the government was yet to decide on giving permission to a Muslim organisation to hold a rally .

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.