Keep vigil on extremist forces: Jaya to police

CHENNAI: Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Sunday urged the State Police to keep a vigil on forces which encourage extremism and fundamentalism.Inaugurating the two-day conference of District Collectors and Police Officers at the Secretariat, the CM said that with the growing reach of terrorism and naxalism, there were multiple sources of threat to the society.“I have always sought to ensure that extremism is countered effectively and is not allowed to foster divisive tendencies within the fabric of our society. Keeping these destructive influences under check is a pre-requisite for the State to move forward on the path of development at an accelerated pace. Our intelligence network should be strengthened to keep a constant vigil on extremism and fundamentalism,” Jayalalithaa said.The CM further said that while enforcing the law, police should not underestimate even small incidents as they might have the potential to create communal or caste disturbances. Stating that she had given a free hand to the police to handle all issues without fear, Jayalalithaa said swift and stringent action against land grabbers had restored confidence in the State government and in the police among the general public. “This action will be followed up by enabling the restoration of lands and properties to the original owners through due process of law,” she added.On the role of newly elected leaders of local bodies, the CM said, “These functionaries are responsible to the people and have to function as a bridge between the administration and the people.  The Collectors and district officials should ensure that there is cooperation and coordination in the local bodies. They should guide the local bodies in the identification of felt needs and prioritisation of projects and ensure that the works are executed in time without compromising on the quality.”She pointed out that a concerted drive and determined initiative by Collectors is needed to clean up the villages and towns. Villages have become dumping yards for garbage and waste of all kinds, creating an unhealthy environment, the CM said.