The Centre would effectively deal with terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir while continuing the dialogue process with 'everyone' concerned and ensuring social harmony in the country, new Home Minister Shivraj Patil said on Monday.
Sixty-nine-year-old Patil made it clear that POTA was 'not necessary' but he will examine the issue carefully and not take any hasty measure.
The other priorities before him include dealing with the situation prevailing in the northeast, left wing extremism, creating 'good relations' between the Centre and the states and modernisation of police forces.
"We shall take steps, which would not allow such things to happen in the manner in which they are happening (in J&K). What steps have been taken will be considered. We will continue with what has been done," Patil, a former Lok Sabha speaker told PTI.
He was replying to a question on what measures the United Progressive Alliance government proposed to take in dealing with the situation in the Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the wake of yesterday's landmine blast killing BSF jawans, women and children.
Asked about the dialogue with separatist Hurriyat Conference initiated by the previous NDA government, Patil said he would like to talk 'with everyone' concerned in J&K.
Among the early callers on Patil at his residence were Home Secretary Anil Baijal and government's interlocutor for the Naga peace process K Padmanabhaiah.
Describing the Ayodhya issue as one with 'political connotation', Patil, who has held ministerial berths during regimes of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, said, "The Home Ministry has to deal with it."
"The stand of the government has been that let it be decided by the courts and if it is decided outside the court, it should have judicial sanction."
To a question if the UPA regime would exercise its powers under Article 356 of the Constitution to dismiss a state government, Patil said, "The issue has to be examined carefully. If it becomes necessary it can be used..."
He stressed that it would be an endeavour of the government to 'see that social harmony is maintained and all that is necessary and can be done in this regard would be done'.
Patil, who was deputy leader of the Congress in the previous Lok Sabha, said, "It will be the duty of the government to ensure that citizens are given a feeling that they will be protected in a very impartial manner. Social harmony will be maintained."
Giving details of his thrust areas, he said, "We shall have take steps for modernisation of the police forces and creation of good relations between the Centre and the States."
Referring to yesterday's landmine blast on Srinagar-Jammu Highway in which BSF personnel and their families were killed, Patil said, "It will be the endeavour of the government to help the bereaved families in the best possible manner."
On terrorism in J&K, the home minister said, "If we have to do anything more than what is being done, certainly we will do it."
"Government has to do its duty and government will do its duty. But at the same time, I can tell you that talks are useful. How to talk, with what preparations to talk and what to expect from them are things which we have to carefully consider."
A seasoned politician from Maharashtra, Patil said, "I would not hurry up but at the same time, see that important issues do not get delayed. I will try to do things in the proper manner and with proper preparation."
Asked if he proposed to visit J&K in the near future, he said, "I shall have to go wherever it is necessary. But it will not be for the sake of any formality... I shall be going (there)."
On leftwing extremism especially the Naxalite problem, the former speaker said the government would accord priority to economic development and social justice. "Dialogue is also an important element," he said, but did not elaborate.
On the grievances of minorities, Patil said, "No section of the society should feel that it is not being given social justice and protection."
Asked if he would carry out a reshuffle in the home ministry, the minister said, "There will be continuity and there may be some changes also. It is always a mix of the two."