Cross border terrorism is a cause of concern, says Manmohan Singh

New Delhi, Sep 16 (ANI): Asserting that cross border terrorism is a cause of concern especially in view of reports that fresh batches of terrorist are being pushed into India, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Friday said there is a need to ensure that such attempts are foiled through smooth and coordinated functioning of all security agencies working in the state.

Dr. Singh said despite positive developments, there is no room for complacency on the security front in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

"There are reports of cross-border camps for terrorists being reactivated, and of attempts to induct fresh batches of militants into the country. We need to ensure that such attempts are foiled through smooth and coordinated functioning of all security agencies working in the State," he said, while addressing the Annual Conference of DGPs here.

Stressing on the importance of dialogue, Dr. Singh said the real challenge in Jammu and Kashmir is to meet the expectations of the people

"In Jammu and Kashmir, the summer has been peaceful and record numbers of tourists, yatris and pilgrims have visited the State. Voters turned out in large numbers to exercise their democratic franchise in the panchayat elections. The real challenge now will be to meet the high expectations of the people as peace is restored. Empowerment of local bodies will be one critical step in energising the development processes," said Dr. Singh.

"We have initiated a process of broad based consultations to find a way forward in Jammu and Kashmir. We need to give the processes of dialogue and democracy a chance to secure a just and honourable settlement that meets the aspirations of all sections of the people," he added.

Dr. Singh further said there has been a gradual yet substantial improvement in the security situation in the North-East.

"Our democratic polity has the capacity to respond to the legitimate aspirations of all communities, cultures and regions. There is space for all of us to live together in peace and with dignity. Insurgent groups are increasingly coming round to the view that the search for a political identity need not entail recourse to violence and can be more fruitfully pursued through peaceful dialogue," said Dr. Singh.

"The climate for talks with different groups in Assam has improved. The situation in the Darjeeling Hills has shown improvement. Over the past few years we have learnt some lessons in dealing with our multiple security challenges," he added. (ANI)