Centre, states must work hand in hand to ensure internal security: PM

New Delhi, Apr 16 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Monday said internal security is a matter where the Centre and the state governments must work hand in hand.

Addressing a Chief Ministers' conference on internal security here, Dr. Singh said: "The threats faced by India today include terrorism, extremism, Naxalism and communal violence. These issues must be tackled firmly, but with sensitivity."

"The forces behind them should not only be contained but also effectively rolled back and is an endeavor that requires an united effort by the centre and states. Internal security is a matter where States and Centre must work hand in hand," he added.

On the importance of improving intelligence to counter terrorism, Dr. Singh said: "We need giant and coordinated efforts to deal with the challenge of terrorism, whatever be its origin be it external or internal, whatever its motivation."

"This is a struggle in which we cannot relax", he added.

Dr. Singh has also outlined the efforts taken by the centre to improve intelligence and confirmed that the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) would be discussed on May 5.

He further reiterated the centre's efforts towards improving capacity building in the police forces so that they can better combat the threats facing India's internal security.

He said it is important for the government to find ways and means to improve the quality of personnel and called upon Chief Ministers to come up with viable suggestions to do this. (ANI)