Shivraj Patil asks police force to strengthen their intelligence system

Urging the top police officials of the States to give top priority to development and strengthening of intelligence agencies for combating crime and terrorism, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil said no weapon or device is going to be as useful as intelligence in controlling and containing violence.

New Delhi, Oct 3 : Urging the top police officials of the States to give top priority to development and strengthening of intelligence agencies for combating crime and terrorism, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil said no weapon or device is going to be as useful as intelligence in controlling and containing violence.

While inaugurating a Conference of Directors General of Police (DGP) and Inspectors General of Police (IGP) here, Patil also called upon the States to equip their special branches with modern advanced gadgets and technologies.

Commenting on the crimes against the weaker sections of the society, Patil said that it should be handled with determination and constant vigilance.

Patil admitted that the strength of police forces in the States is not adequate to meet the growing requirements of policing.

"In fact, the number should go up. The police cannot afford to lag behind the criminals, in making use of new ideas, equipment, technologies, and training," he added.

On the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Patil said that situation in the State is improving, and also added that there is no scope for complacency since infiltration across the border continues.

Patil expressed concern over the continued violence in Assam and Manipur and the persisting factional clashes in Nagaland.

He stressed on the need of a coordinated approach to meet the challenge of Naxalism as the problem cuts across State boundaries.

He also stressed upon the need for police reforms and reforms in the Criminal Justice System.

Patil gave away the Police Medals for meritorious service to 42 officers of the Intelligence Bureau.

Ministers of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal , Manik Rao H. Gavit and V Radhika Selvi; National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan; Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta and Director, Intelligence Bureau, P.C. Haldar were among those who were present on the occasion.

ANI