PANAJI: The Centre will allow Goa to retain Rapid Action Force companies until the State builds up its own force to tackle riots. The force will continue to assist the State's law and order machinery, said Union Minister of State for Home Om Prakash Jaiswal, who arrived here on Tuesday to take stock of the situation post-riots in south Goa.

Concerned at reports of communal violence in the tourist State, which has had an unblemished record so far, the Centre sent its emissary. After meeting Chief Minister Pratapsing Rane, holding a review meeting with officials and hearing delegations of a minority community from the riot affected areas, Mr. Jaiswal assured the State all assistance in compensation, rehabilitation and security.

Last week's riots in the twin towns of Sanvordem-Curchorem over a disputed, abandoned structure belonging to a minority community were controlled on Sunday with the arrival of the Central security forces.

Mr. Jaiswal blamed "communal forces and parties supporting communal forces who believe in hatred" for the riots. "It was the handiwork of communal forces," he said. "It is not a secret that the BJP and the RSS encourage such communal forces."

To a question, he denied that minority community people were leaving the State on a large scale for fear of further trouble. The State Government would take measures to bring back and rehabilitate those who fled their homes, he said.

To another question, Mr. Rane, who was present Mr. Jaiswal's interaction with newsmen, said those affected badly were small groups of migrant workers belonging to a minority community.

As for the natives, not more than 100 families suffered damage to their shops and vehicles. Chief Secretary J. P. Singh said the police had registered 12 first information reports.

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