NEW DELHI, MARCH 25: The Union Home Ministry has summoned Bihar's chief secretary and Director General of Police for an in-depth meeting to review the situation in the State which saw 34 more killings last week in Jehanabad.Home Minister L K Advani told reporters here that the two top State officials were expected to meet the Home Secretary here on Saturday and chalk out ways to deal with the situation.
"We are in constant touch with the State Government," Advani said, adding Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Laloo Prasad Yadav had a telephonic talk with him a few days ago and apprised him of the situation.
Asserting that the State had adequate para-military forces to deal with the situation, Advani charged the Rabri Devi government with "not utilising" them properly.
Even then the Centre has decided to send ten more companies of Central forces to Bihar and if needed, it was willing to send more companies, Advani said when asked whether the Centre was considering deploying Army in Jehanabad whichhad witnessed a series of massacres during the past six months.
Asked to comment on a statement made by Ranvir Sena, private army of landlords, that retaliatory action would follow, the Home Minister said he hoped the State Government would take cognisance of such statements and ensure security for all, particularly those from weaker sections.
To a question whether the US plane impounded in Ahmedabad was a spy aircraft, Advani said, "We are making all necessary inquiries into it."
The Civil Aviation Ministry is dealing with the issue, he said, adding the Government had sought information in this regard.
Asked to comment on a report from London that Britain had censored vital information on the Purulia armsdrop case in the evidence sent to India, the Home Minister said the Government was pursuing the matter.
When asked if AIADMK supremo J Jayalalitha would attend the coordination meeting of the BJP and the allies scheduled for Saturday, Advani said he hoped she would attend. Besides, it was for thecommittee's convener George Fernandes to say who all were invited and who would attend.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.