From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Nov 15: Coastal security, mega city policing, internal security situation in Southern states as well as communal harmony are among the issues expected to be discussed prominently during the Southern Zonal Council meeting being held under the chairmanship of the Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde in Bangalore on Friday.

Implementation  of the Naxal package is also expected to be discussed at the meeting, said Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister R Ashok, who is also the State Transport and Home Minister.

Issues related to implementation of various programmes for the welfare of Dalits, atrocities on Dalits, human trafficking would also come up for discussion.

Ashok said the State Government has decided to seek more financial support from the Centre for strengthening and modernization of the police force in the State.

The State Government has been granting Rs 5 crore to each taluk which had been affected by naxal menace, particularly in malnad and coastal districts, he said.

The Southern Zonal Council comprises of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar would be attending the meeting and discuss several proposals pending before the Centre, Ashok said.

The last meeting of the Southern Zonal Council was held in Puducherry on May 31, 2005.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, Kerala Chief Minister Oomen Chandy and Puduchery Chief Minister N Rangaswamy are expected to participate in the meeting.

However, the participation of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa is doubtful.

The agenda of the meeting included the need for maintaining status quo in respect of formula for Central allocation of funds under poverty alleviation and rural development programmes.