Terrorism is 'new face of war', says President Kalam

New Delhi, Aug 14 (UNI) Calling 07/11 terrorist strike in Mumbai the ''new face of war,' President APJ Abdul Kalam today suggested issuing citizens' ID-Cards and having special fast track courts try terrorism cases.

''The constant threat of low intensity proxy war and terrorism has become a disturbing feature of national life. This constitutes the new face of war,'' Dr Kalam said in his address to the nation on the eve of the 60th Independence Day.

To create a secure atmosphere for the people, he said the nation needs a National Campaign to Eradicate Terrorism with the acronym NCET, which allows individuals to participate in promoting their own safety and security of their neighbourhood.

He also called for introduction of National Idenity Cards and creation of fast track courts to deal with terrorism-related cases.

''The judiciary must consider the creation of a fast track judicial process for settling terrorism related cases,'' Dr Kalam said.

Declaring that India could face this challenge and ''eradicate'' the threat, he asked every religion and every political and executive system to allow the law to function without interference as part of the strategy.

Spelling out the strategy, he said it fell under the three broad areas -- economic security through development with peace, citizens' security and energy security -- which were vital for comprehensive national security.

Without specifying that meeting force with force was not necessarily a way to fight the menace of terrorism, which had assumed global proportions of late, Dr Kalam mooted the idea of setting up economic zones near international borders and line of control.

Pointing out that areas close to these lines were not used for economic activity, he said the government ''may consider'' using the available land area for promoting economic activity with people's participation.

''The economic security of these border regions would in itself become complementary to territorial security required in these zones,'' the President said.

''The State may consider introduction of National ID Cards and implement the National e-governance Grid for all Government to Government, Government to Citizens, Business to Business and Business to Citizen transactions within two years time,'' he said.

He said acts of mindless violence have taken place in the country for more than two decades and this phenomenon is continuously increasing.

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