Divided nation cannot fight against terror: PM

New Delhi, Aug 15 (UNI) Denouncing the recent terror strikes in Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Jaipur, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the challenge of communalism, extremism and terrorism could not be won by a nation divided.

''I am confident that we will overcome these challenges. But this requires hard work and unity of purpose. This requires a politics of consensus, not confrontation. This requires dialogue among communities, not discord,'' he said, while addressing the Nation from the historic ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of the 62nd Independence Day.

Condemning the recent terrorist attacks as 'acts of barbarism,' Dr Singh said the government would take concrete steps to rehabilitate and help the families of victims.

Dr Singh said the government would examine the functioning of the intelligence agencies and police and security forces and take all possible steps to equip them to tackle the challenges of terrorism, extremism, communalism and fundamentalism which had emerged as a major threat to the unity and integrity of the country.

''Whatever resources are required, will be provided. Whatever manpower is required will be provided. We are firm in our resolve to meet the challenge of terrorism,'' he said.

In this context, he urged all the state governments, all political parties, civil society groups and social and religious leaders to cooperate with the government in rooting out terrorism from the country.

''The challenge of communalism, of extremism and of terrorism cannot be won by a nation divided. The challenge of environmental and ecological destruction cannot be won by a society divided. The challenge of economic modernisation and social development cannot be won by a people divided,'' he said.

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