Kalam asks for unified intelligence agency to fight terrorism

New Delhi, Sept 17 : Former president APJ Abdul Kalam has called for setting up a unified intelligence agency in India to fight terrorism in the wake of rising terror attacks in the country, the latest being last week's Delhi blasts that left more than 20 people dead.

Speaking to reporters on the occasion of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in New Delhi on Wednesday, Kalam said that there is a need for making the citizens of the country a part of the fight against terrorism instead of merely being 'watched'.

Referring to the series of terror attacks across India, he said that the fight against terrorism would be successful only if the laws are stringent and there is a faster justice delivering system in place.

Kalam also proposed a national campaign involving people to eradicate terrorism.

"I believe you have to remove the terrorism. For that, nation has to have a vision to remove it, that people cannot be watched, people have to be part of it with the government. So, I have suggested what is called national campaign for removal of terrorism, this agency should see that single intelligence agency with people's participation and also very fast decision making process and detecting the terrorist and giving judiciary fast judgements," said Kalam.

Kalam who was in New Delhi to address a gathering of renowned scientists on 'Future Roadmap for Scientific and Technical Recruitment Reforms in India' said that there is a growing need for the people to stand up and fight the terror from within.

Five bombs exploded in quick succession in crowded markets and busy streets in the Indian capital on Saturday killing at least 22 people and injuring nearly 100 others.

Police have named two Muslim suspects and released sketches of three men.

The Indian Mujahideen militant group claiming responsibility for several major bombings in recent months says it is avenging atrocities against Muslims in India.

The last major attack to hit the capital was in 2005, when 66 people were killed as three bombs exploded in busy markets, just ahead of the Hindu festival of Diwali.

ANI