'Police must gear up to face internal challenges'

Hyderabad, Oct 26: Observing that India needs to be concerned about internal security even more than external aggressions, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today exhorted IPS probationers to gear up to meet the challenge of ensuring internal security situation.

Addressing IPS probationers after inspecting the passing out parade at the prestigious National Police Academy (NPA), he said terrorism was the most dangerous threat to the country.

''From occasional footnote, it has become a hydra-headed monster.

There are several strains of terrorism present and you will need to keep abreast of developments in tackling the grave danger. Today's terrorists are most sophisticated, have transnational linkages and have adequate resources. Both knowledge and determination are required if we are to succeed against these elements,'' Dr Singh said.

Economic globalisation and technological development had altered the nature of crime, giving rise to new forms, he said, adding, ''perhaps even more than external aggression, we need to be concerned about internal security. In some instances, there is an external dimension to the internal threat but it will be your responsibility to ensure internal security.'' He called for new modes of cooperation between states as internal security problems were not confined to one state alone and often encompassed several states. Referring to the multitude of dangers faced by the different states, he said the problems in each of the regions was different.

About posting of the probationers in areas like the North-East, Jammu&Kashmir and Naxalite infested states, he said the situation in each area has to be appreciated and skilfully dealt with.

He urged the IPS probationers to handle complicated situations in a sensitive manner understanding the reasons for disaffection and alienation. ''You will be able to find answers for these problems,'' Dr Singh said.

UNI

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