Tough measures to rein in terrorists: PM

New Delhi, Nov 27 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today assured the nation that the government would resort to tough measures to take on the terrorists, which included the setting up of a federal investigating agency, bring police reforms and the use of the National Security Act(NSA).

Known for his mild and sombre mannerism, Dr Singh was combative as he addressed the nation, warning the perpetrators and supsects that they would have to pay a heavy price, irrespective of their religion.

''The dastardly acts have shocked the nation,'' he said in his address to the nation on the terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

The Prime Minister said the well-planned and well-orchestrated attacks, probably with external linkages, were intended to create a sense of panic, choosing high profile targets and indiscriminately killing foreigners.

Arguing, while it was essential to set up a federal agency to go into the crimes, Dr Singh assured that the Government would attend to the police reforms urgently.

''We will restrict entry of suspects into our country,'' he said, adding that the government would take up with the neighbouring countries the use of their territories by the terrorists to launch their attacks.

He said instruments, like the NSA, might be employed.

The Prime Minister also saluted the courgage of the police personnel and ATS chief Hemant Karkre, who sacrifed their lives in the defence of the nation's unity and integrity.

Dr Singh said the country would not tolerate ''cowardly and horrific acts'' and would employ the NSA, leaving no loopholes for the terror elements to escape the clutches of law and to bring the guilty to book.

Strongly condemning the dastardly killings since last night in Mumbai, the Prime Minister said India would not tolerate the use of territories by the neighbouring countries to launch an attack on it.

It was evident that the group, which carried out the killings, was based outside the country, he added.

He appealed to the people to demonstrate calmness and restraint to defeat the nefarious designs of the terrorists.

The Government would take the responsibility of the welfare of the hostages, including their medical treatment, he added.

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