'Anti-terror measures mustn't polarise society'

In a thinly veiled reference to complaints by Muslims that they were targeted in the aftermath of terror attacks, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday asked party chief ministers to ensure that tough actions to deal with terrorism did not lead to any 'polarisation of society' and no community should feel under siege.

"While recognising that there can be no compromise on internal security, we must make sure that no community feels itself under siege or as automatic target of suspicion," Sonia said, addressing the Congress chief ministers' conclave held in the backdrop of terror attacks in Mumbai and Malegaon.

Noting that the anti-social and anti-national elements would have to be clearly identified, isolated and dealt with a firm hand, Sonia, who is also the United Progressive Alliance chairperson, said that effective police action, free from social bias and political pressure was essential to deal with any organisation that disturbs communal harmony.

While welcoming the resumption of the peace process with Pakistan, she echoed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement that 'we continue to have serious concerns over terrorist attacks that are carried out in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country by Pakistan-based outfits'.

She said that crucial to the country's success in maintaining internal security would be an effective border management policy.

"Our northeast chief ministers have expressed their concerns. Our borders will not be allowed to be used as corridors for the free movement of terrorists," she said, in an apparent reference to Bangladesh.

Stating that the needs of landless poor require a distinct focus, Sonia said increased agricultural productivity will demand new tenancy legislation.

She said watershed and wasteland development programmes have to be given a fresh thrust and momentum.

Sonia said measures would have to be taken to ensure that the population of the country, which is expected to touch 1.4 billion within the next 20 years, is adequately fed.

"The task appears to be daunting but it can be done. Between 1971 and 1991 also our population increased by 300 million but we successfully provided food security to our people on our own. This is a measure of the achievement of previous Congress governments that we need to replicate," she said.