Need to modernise security mechanism: Prez

Terming growing terrorism, left wing extremism and insurgency as the biggest challenge to the nation, the President of India Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil called for firm hand from both State and Centre to deal with those anti-national elements. She was addressing at the two-day Conference of Governors held in the capital on Tuesday.

Observing the impact ‘intervention by trans-border elements’ she asked for more improvement in intelligence mechanism for national security adding that Left wing extremism is fast becoming a vexed problem and poses a threat to our security and integrity.

Furthermore while referring to the September 13 Serial blasts which left 25 dead and over 150 injured, the President said that this emerging phenomenon of “metro-terrorism” has given a new dimension to subversive activities and is a matter of serious concern.

“The State and Central Governments have to deal firmly with those who follow the path and culture of guns. Both the Governments have conjointly adopted a multi-pronged conflict-management and conflict-resolution strategy,” she added.

On the back drop of several serial blasts in some of the major cities across the country, President Patil stressed on the need to modernise the whole security mechanism.

She said, “We need to modernise our police force with greater investments in cyber and technical intelligence, communication systems and forensic capabilities. There is need for an institutional mechanism to seamlessly share intelligence on real-time basis to foil the attempts of terrorists and naxalites.”

Talking about the North East regions which are the most affected ones in the absence of enough security forces, especially police stations leaving a crippling effect on the efficacy of law and order machinery, she advocated for a healthy police-population ratio.

Patil also mentioned about the Naxalite menace as an expression of neglect, deprivation and disaffection amongst the downtrodden while prefigured the solution with good governance, rapid economic development, equity and justice besides expanding employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. She, however, said that without showing any leniency to disruptive and separatist elements, we should sensitise our security personnel to exercise maximum possible restraint and show respect to local sentiments and gender sensitivity in the disturbed areas.