The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has said that the security environment in the country continues to be uncertain. The recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai and Delhi are grim reminders of the grave challenges posed by terrorism to our national security. Over the last one year, left-wing extremism has also claimed the lives of many innocent persons and police personnel.

Addressing the annual conference of Director Generals of Police (DGPs) in Delhi, he said: “The Home Minister has already briefed you on the large resources that have been deployed by the Government of India in dealing with the problem of left-wing extremism. There have been some successes on the ground. But if we seek a decisive change in the situation, then a huge collective and coordinated effort is required both by the Centre and the States acting in concert. The role of the DGPs in leading this effort is crucial and I urge that more focused attention be given to this problem.

“We are trying to give a sustained thrust to development processes in the Naxalite affected areas. I am hopeful that with these changes and the setting up of Specialised India Reserve Battalions, that will assist directly in these development efforts, there will be some positive difference on the ground.

“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. Despite these positive developments, there is no room for complacency on the security front. There are reports of crossborder 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.

“In the Northeast, there has been a gradual yet substantial improvement in the security situation. 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.

“Our human intelligence capabilities need to be improved. The grassroots information and intelligence collection systems that have traditionally been a part of policing have languished or fallen into disuse in some places. The role of a vigilant and effective beat constable can be vital in checking the activities of networks, which otherwise operate under the radar. Some reorientation in the functioning at these cutting edge levels is necessary and the role of community policing should also be emphasised. Shortage of manpower is another problem and we are trying to address it on a war footing.

“As the 26/11 tragedy showed, terrorists use the latest technologies for communication and real time information sharing. We have therefore to remain one step ahead of our adversaries. With this in mind, connectivity has been established between subsidiary multi agency centres and State Special Branches. I hope that the NATGRID would enable seamless retrieval and dissemination of data critical to the task of anticipating and preempting terrorist attacks.

“The constabulary is the mainstay of our police forces, constituting about 87 per cent of their total strength. Improving the image of the constabulary is, therefore, critical to building public trust in our police forces. Police personnel must also be adequately trained to upgrade their professional skills and inculcate the right attitude towards the public.

“These are difficult and challenging times for our security forces. Our social fabric continues to be targeted by organised terrorism, abetted by misguided zeal and false propaganda among the youth and the marginalised sections of society. We have to contend with left-wing militancy, parochial and chauvinistic movements, and tensions caused by socio-economic imbalances and iniquities and alos by rapid urbanisation. Policing the metropolitan areas, the control of organised crime and the protection of women and the elderly require special attention.

While dealing firmly with these challenges, the police must function within the bounds of a democratic framework, in which human rights of our people are scrupulously respected and upheld.”