Manmohan for going beyond conventional responses to overcome terror threats

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today called for going far beyond the conventional responses in facing the terror threats.

New Delhi, Oct 4 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today called for going far beyond the conventional responses in facing the terror threats.

Addressing the Conference of Director Generals and Inspector Generals of Police-2007 here, Singh said: "Terrorism has become a global phenomenon of our times. In terrorist organisation, we face determined, committed and highly motivated adversaries working with evil design and evil intent. We need to go far beyond conventional responses in facing the severe terrorist threats."

Highlighting the recent terror attack in Hyderabad and Naxal's targeting the top personalities, Singh underlined the need for better police forces with superior intelligence capabilities. "We need better police forces - better in all senses - be it training, be it skills, be it equipment, be it resources, be it mobility or be it attitudes," Singh said.

"We need greater discipline, lesser politicization and zero corruption," he added.

His remarks follows Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil's comments that he made at the same conference on Wednesday where he stressed on the need for improving intelligence system of the police force in the country.

Singh today also made a reference about the incident in Bihar where citizens took laws in their hands and lynched thieves.

"While some of it could be a result of personal frustration, some of it also arises out of dissatisfaction over the functioning of the law enforcement and justice systems, Singh noted.

The Prime Minister observed that citizens want a secure environment to live and carry out their activities and said that women and senior citizens are increasingly concerned about their safety."As we get more urbanized, these offences are increasing. White collar crime too is seeing a rise. Are we then tackling these problems adequately? Singh questioned, adding, "It is only by addressing these concerns will police forces be able to reach out to citizens and win their confidence and affection. Our people should be willing to approach a policeman with the same assurance with which they visit a doctor."

Singh expressed hope that the National Police Mission would help in creating a new vision for police forces and bring about a paradigm shift in their functioning and in their working.

"We must make them (police forces) more accountable, enhance their skills and competency particularly at the grassroots, where people come in contact with our police forces," he said.

On the occasion, Singh gave away President's Police Medal 2006 to the police personnel for their distinguished services.

ANI