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Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has cited that central government needs "active cooperation" of the state governments to enforce law and order across India. Hi remarks come in wake of the hijacking of the Delhi-bound train by Maoists in West Bengal, demanding the release of Maoist leader Chhattradhar Mahato.
"We are a democracy. Also there are occasions when there are differences of opinion among leaders in our own coalition. Law and order is primary responsibility of every civilised state and whatever comes in the way of maintenance and enforcement of law and order will be dealt as it is ought to be dealt with," Manmohan Singh said at the HT Leadership Summit in New Delhi.
He was answering the media when asked about Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee's "support" to Maoists after the incident took place, which posed complications for central government to deal with the Maoists.
"India of tomorrow cannot be built from New Delhi alone. We need active cooperation of state governments and that applies not only to developmental process but also enforcement of law and order. We will work with all state governments regardless of their political complexion to strengthen process of law and order," Manmohan Singh said.
