NEW DELHI: Under severe attack in the wake of Mumbai terror strikes, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has declared that legal framework will be strengthened in the battle against terrorism and a Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) will be set up but the Left parties cautioned against enactment of "draconian" laws. In an apparent demand for the removal of National Security Adviser M K Narayanan, CPI leader A B Bardhan said those in-charge of national security must also be made accountable like the Home Minister who was made to resign.

After a marathon five-hour-long discussions at an all party meeting convened by him to discuss the Mumbai terror strikes that left nearly 200 persons dead, the Prime Minister said the country stands united in fighting terrorism and legal framework would be strengthened in this regard.

"We will pursue the setting up of a Federal Investigating Agency within a time-frame," he said in his concluding remarks promising the parties that the government would get back to them within a fortnight. When the BJP and AIADMK insisted on stringent laws like POTA to tackle terrorism, the new Home Minister P Chidambaram said the Prime Minister has already referred to strengthening the legal framework. However, Left parties opposed any "draconian" measures like POTA but were open to suggestions for strengthening provisions in the existing laws to combat terror.

The government also came under attack from ally Samajwadi party whose chief Mulayam Singh Yadav said the ruling dispensation was weak and must own up responsibility. "Come out with something concrete within 15 days," Yadav told the government.

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