New Delhi: Commerce and industry minister Kamal Nath has defended the SEZ policy but qualified it by saying that land acquisition should be equitable and transparent and "inclusive of farmers."

He said the incident in Nandigram was unfortunate, however, the SEZ policy should not be held responsible for it.

"We should not look at it as SEZ issue but one of land acquisition for industrial projects," referring to the protests by activists against SEZs in Nandigram leading to police firing in which 11 people were killed.

Asked whether yesterday's violence could slow down the fresh approvals on SEZs, Nath said in many pending cases there was no dispute and promoters have already tied-up land.

The empowered group of ministers on SEZs headed by external affairs minister Pranab Mukkerjee could not meet since January and there is a freeze on fresh approvals and notifications.