DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Feb 9: Opposition leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman has held the federal government responsible for the deteriorating law and order situation in the NWFP, which has been hit by a spate of terrorist attacks.

“The federal government should review its internal and external policies and coordinate with the government of NWFP to handle security situation in the province,” Maulana Fazl told journalists at the Dera airport on Friday.

He said that suicide attacks in the province and Islamabad were a reaction to the ‘wrong’ policies of the federal government. He said the general law and order situation in the country was deteriorating, adding that even the federal capital had become insecure.

Replying to a question, the opposition leader denied rifts within the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) and pledged that the alliance would remain intact. He said there were some minor differences among the components of the alliance, which could be resolved through mutual consultation.

He said the MMA members would continue their boycott of the National Assembly till February 13 and the alliance would work out its future line of action in its next general council meeting.

When asked about resigning from the Assembly, he said that this chapter had been closed. Criticising the government policies, he said President Musharraf should pay attention to keeping his own house in order instead of visiting foreign countries.

About participation in the multi-party conference being convened by the PML-N in London, he said the MMA had yet to decide whether or not to participate in it.