PM calls for firm action to tackle terrorism

New Delhi, Nov 23: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today reiterated his government's commitment to ''root out terrorism and ideologies that justify and seek to sustain it'' and called for a 'firm and resolute response' from the security forces, civil society and political parties to comprehensively counter the challenge being faced by the country.

Addressing the three-day Annual National Conference of Director Generals and Inspector Generals of Police organised by the Intelligence Bureau here, Dr Singh also stressed the need for faster pace of police reforms ''...so that we have a first rate police force- a more skilled, competent, effective, just and humane police force. A police force that not only ensures the rule of law but is also viewed as fair, efficient and honest and able to meet the democratic aspirations of the people.'' Decrying the terror groups trying to foment communal violence in the country, he asked the ''police forces and security establishment to remain steadfast in their commitment to preserve and protect communal peace and harmony as there in lies our inherent strength.'' Admitting that terror in India has no longer remained centred in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, he said there were evidence that attempts were being made to take it to other parts of the country to create fear in the minds of people. Commending the security forces for largely foiling such plans, he said there was no scope for complacency.

''Our security apparatus must be alert and resilient enough to meet the grave threats posed by terrorism to our polity and society.'' Pointing out that the positive developments in Jammu and Kashmir has generated hope that the political solutions can be found to address public grievances, he said to allow political process to take the desired direction it was imperative to bring down level of violence significantly.

''This requires the strong will and determination to sustain the anti-militancy efforts with greater sensitivity. I am confident that you are equipped to deal with these challenges,'' he said.

Regarding North East, Dr Singh said the option of conflict resolution through dialogue has been pursued with all groups that have shown willingness to abjure violence. Reiterating the commitment to the proces of peaceful dialgoue to resolve overwhelming problems, he asserted that the government will not countenance the deliberate use of violence against innocent citizens.

UNI