Chennai (PTI): Congress, a key ally of Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK, on Monday demanded a ban on pro-LTTE organisations in the state and asked the state government to deal with "scourge of terrorism with iron hand."

"Terrorism of any kind, whether it be from Sri Lanka or within the state (Maoists) or communal, should be dealt with an iron hand," senior Congress leader D Sudarshanam told the state assembly while participating in the debate on the demand for grants to the Home Department held by Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.

Without naming any organisation or political party, he demanded a ban on all outfits in the state openly supporting the proscribed LTTE.

"The Tamil Nadu Government should also urge the Centre to extend the ban on the LTTE", he said.

The Centre had first banned the LTTE in 1992 and last extended it on May 14, 2004. The organisation had been banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

On encounter deaths, Sudharshanam said it was not only a mode of self-defence for the police but a way to ensure security for common people from anti-socials.

"Mumbai was freed from the grips of various underworld elements by the police only after many anti-socials were killed in such encounters," he said.

Meanwhile, opposition AIADMK, alleging "breakdown in law and order" in the state, said there was a "bomb culture" happening in Tamil Nadu.