Taking note of the continuing violence in Orissa and Karnataka, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday sought a detailed report from Home Minister Shivraj Patil on the situation in these states.
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"The Cabinet took note of the latest situation prevailing in Orissa and Karnataka and the Home Minister was asked by the Prime Minister to apprise the cabinet of the situation in its next meeting," Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi told reporters. He said serious concern was expressed on Orissa, particularly Kandhamal, where 'some organisations' were actively taking part in the violence and the Home Ministry has been asked to give an appraisal report at the earliest.
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"The situation is very grave. The government is quite concerned," he said.
Pointing out that 7,500 para-military personnel had been rushed to Kandhamal, he said the Centre strongly felt that the "Orissa government has to do more, which they are not doing".
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Asked whether imposition of President's rule in the state was discussed, he replied in the negative, saying matters pertaining to the Constitution were not discussed arbitrarily.
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