Home Minister Shivraj Patil greets journalists as he arrives at his office in North Block.

The appointment of Patil, who lost the Lok Sabha election from Latur, Maharashtra, was a surprise entrant into the Cabinet.

The 69 year-old, who was a minister under Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi in the 1980s, said the Centre would effectively deal with terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir while continuing the dialogue process with 'everyone' concerned.

The Prevention of Terrorism Act is not necessary, he said, adding that he would examine the issue carefully and not take any hasty decisions.