Charging the Centre with a lack of will to combat terrorism, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi [Images] on Saturday said a mass movement should be launched to force the government to fight the menace with 'iron hands'.

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"Terrorists must be dealt with iron hands and tough legislative and administrative measures need to be taken to combat terrorism," Modi said in an address to the Canada-India Foundation via a video conference link-up.

He said that it was unfortunate that the Prevention of Terrorism [Images] Act (POTA), enacted by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government, was repealed by the Centre.

"There is a need to launch a mass movement to compel the Congress-led UPA government to take tough measures against terrorists," he said.

The initiative for this, Modi said, should be taken by Non-Resident Indians by writing letters to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images].

"The government is not bothered if innocent people die in terrorist attacks, but it expresses concern over a strict law that may hold an innocent based on suspicion," the Gujarat chief minister said, adding 'this is not acceptable'.

He called upon Non-Resident Indians to resolve to promote India globally and stop criticising its shortcomings.
 
Modi welcomed Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper's decision to open a Trade and Commerce office in Ahmedabad [Images], saying that it would go a long way in strengthening bilateral relations.

Referring to steps taken by his government to transform the state, the Gujarat chief minister said that the state was undergoing agriculture, industrial and technological transformation.

As a result, he said, the state's GDP was more than 11 per cent.

Harinder Takhar, Ontario Minister for Small Business and Consumer Affairs, said the state government was committed for closer linkages between Ontario and Gujarat to boost trade and investment.

Ajit Someshwar, International Convener of the Canada [Images] India Foundation (CIF), said that the Foundation was committed to boosting trade and investment between the two countries.

Ruby Dhalla, Member of Parliament, commended the contributions made by the Indo-Canadians to the Canadian economy.

Over 500 Indo-Canadians and dignitaries attended the function, which was followed by a cultural programme.