The Prime Minister has assured the political parties and the States that the Centre is committed to preserving and strengthening the federal framework of the country, which has served well. Dr. Manmohan Singh said this in his concluding remarks at the day-long National Integration Council meeting in New Delhi on Saturday after the BJP, Left and the Trinamool Congress voiced opposition to the proposed Communal Violence (Prevention) Bill. He expressed happiness that the Council members had displayed unanimity of purpose, reaffirming their resolve to combat communalism and terrorism and to create a more inclusive India. Dr. Singh said, there is clarity that resorting to violence and unconstitutional means cannot be justified. Briefing newspersons after the deliberations of the Council meeting, the Home Secretary, Mr. R.K. Singh said, there has been a consensus among states on taking steps for greater coordination in combating communal violence. The Home Secretary said the Centre is open to bring in changes in the draft Communal Violence Bill. Mr Singh said, the NIC members discussed naxalism related violence and terrorism as a major problem. He said, the Prime Minister emphasized that while law must take its own course, we need to ensure that the investigating agencies are free from bias and prejudice of any kind. Addressing the meeting, the Home Minister P Chidambaram said, the use of violence as an instrument of protest was the biggest challenge before the country. Mr. Chidambaram said, there are new challenges apart from the old evils such as communalism, casteism and parochialism. The meeting was attended by several Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, leaders of Opposition in Parliament, leaders of national and regional political parties among others.