Terror is new face of war: Kalam

New Delhi, Sep 1 (UNI) President A P J Abdul Kalam today said the law and order problem and the collateral damages caused by terrorism, Naxalism, extremism and ''other forms of low intensity, proxy warfare'' in some states were the impediments in the way of making India a developed nation by 2020.

''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 key-note address at the 4th India Today Chief Ministers Conclave.

The President said peaceful and harmonious conditions in all parts of the country were essential for people to cooperate with one another for accelerated national growth.

''However, there are challenges to peace, from across our geographical borders, from terrorism and violence. These dynamic challenges call for special measures to ensure a comprehensive, integrated system of security,'' he said.

Observing that the issue was of ''great concern,'' he said the government should address the cause and reason for the extremism.

Reforms had to be brought in through proper law, for example land reforms, updating and evolution of new law and administrative procedures.

Suggesting measures to strengthen internal security forces, he wanted creation of a separate police force for prevention of terrorism and naxalism.

''We could convert terrorism and extremism related problems into opportunities to strengthen our police forces and provide a window for generating employment for youth and inculcating discipline among youth,'' the President said.

In order to contain terrorism, the police force would have to create a new cadre trained in low intensity warfare and equipped with state of the art technologies.

A very conscious police force using a combination of human intelligence and with connectivity across police forces in many states was the need of the hour. Such a modern police force can effectively contribute to the eradication of the terrorism and extremism so that the nation can pursue its cherished goal of a developed India in a more focused way, he said.

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