The Prime Minister has said despite the curtailment of militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir, the public order dimension has become a cause of serious concern. Addressing a conference of State DGPs and IGs in New Delhi , Dr. Manmohan Singh said there is a need to re-visit the standard operating procedures and crowd control measures to deal with public agitation with non-lethal and yet effective and focused steps. Calling for the setting up of a high power task force, Dr. Manmohan Singh said that it should come out with recommendations on these issues within two to three months.
Dr. Manmohan Singh said that after a relative lull last year, the challenges to internal security in the country seem to have re-emerged in more virulent form. He said that the growing presence of non-state actors, fundamentalists groups and left wing extremists have further complicated matters. He said there is a need for greater coordination between security agencies in view of the growing inter-linkages of destabilising and criminal forces across states and borders.
While reiterating that the government is ready to talk with naxalites provided they abjure the path of violence, the Prime Minister said much more needs to be done to meet the challenge of naxalism. He said the government is committed to special efforts for naxal affected areas which are predominantly inhabited by tribal people.
Turning to North-East Dr. Singh said that while the situation in general is better than it was in the recent past, there are areas of concern specially in Manipur where the Naga-Metei divide has accentuated. He said the unfortunate growth of identity based assertiveness in the North East, particularly in Manipur and the North Cachar Hills, needs well thought out and sensitive handling. He said the situation in Darjeeling also needs a careful watch and the writ of the state should be firmly established in the area.
The Prime Minister empahsised need for building up intelligence gathering capacities in various Indian languages. He also said the backlog and recruitment to the state police forces remain an area of concern. He said there is a need for a relook at the procurement procedures as well.
