J&K bears brunt of terror acts: PM

Speaking at the Chief Minister's Conference on Internal Security, the PM said: “Hostile groups and elements operate from across the border to perpetrate terrorist acts in our country. The State of Jammu & Kashmir bears the brunt of the acts of these groups.”

Singh said there has been a marked decline in the number of terrorist incidents from 2008 to 2009. But, infiltration levels have shown an increase.

“As far as Jammu & Kashmir is concerned, there has been a marked decline in the number of terrorist incidents from 2008 to 2009. But, infiltration levels have shown an increase. Recently there have been some incidents which are disturbing,” the PM said.

Speaking on threats to internal security, Singh said the Left–Wing extremists continue to target vital installations and kill innocent civilians in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Orissa and West Bengal.

"In the North-East also, the number of incidents has gone down in 2009 as compared to 2008. There is insurgency and violence in the North-East. Many States are affected by Left–Wing extremism, which I have in the past referred to as the greatest threat to our internal security.”

“There are also those trying to divide our society on communal and regional lines.”

“The number of incidents related to Left-Wing extremism has however increased in the same period, as has the number of civilians and security personnel killed in these incidents," the PM said.

Mentioning the menace of counterfeit currency notes, Singh said there are indications that Fake Indian Currency Notes are being printed and smuggled into India from outside the country.

“There is obviously a need for a coordinated approach by the Central and State agencies to tackle this menace; which has serious implications for our economy,” he said.

At the same time, Singh said India has made considerable progress in the enhancing anti-terror mechanism in the country.

"The Multi Agency Centre (MAC) in the Intelligence Bureau now shares intelligence with other agencies, including those of the State Governments and Union Territories on a continuous and real time basis. Reciprocally, the other agencies are also obliged to share intelligence with the Multi Agency Centre," Singh said.

The PM said the terrorist strikes in Mumbai in November 2008 had made India painfully aware of the need to strengthen coastal security.

“The National Committee on Coastal security under the chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary has taken action to increase the level of patrolling and surveillance along the Indian coastline and bring about greater coordination between the various agencies that can contribute to security along our coasts,” said Singh.

"The issue of multi-purpose identity cards with biometric features to residents in coastal areas is expected to be completed by September 2010. The process of registration of boats and vessels has gathered momentum," he added.


However, Singh said that while India has made progress on different fronts, there is still a lot more to do.

"I would like to take this opportunity to urge the Chief Ministers to create Special Intervention Units in their States to enhance the speed and decisiveness of the Quick Response Teams. The states may also like to develop specialized commando forces which could be deployed to act as a deterrent to terrorist acts.

"I would urge Chief Ministers to make full use of the scheme formulated by the Central Government to assist the Special Branches of States in strengthening their intelligence capabilities," Singh added.

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