India in terror, Maoist pincer

New Delhi
Sept. 15: The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, said on Tuesday that infiltration from across the Line of Control and also via other routes such as Nepal, Bangladesh and the sea is “going up”.

Addressing the DGPs conference attended by the home minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, and the national security advisor, Mr M.K. Narayanan, Mr Singh described as “worrisome” attempts by secessionist and militant groups in Jammu and Kashmir to make common cause with “outside elements”.

Terming left wing extremism (LWE) the “gravest internal security threat”, he said that despite all efforts, the level of violence in the Naxalite-affected states “continues to rise”.

He also said the situation in the North-Eastern part of the country is “far from comfortable” especially in Manipur and Assam, where current levels of violence were cause for concern.

Favouring a new-age policeman who is well trained, more professional and suitably empowered, he said Central and state governments need to take quick action to strengthen policing at the grassroots level. “The police station has to be the fulcrum around which this needs to take place,” he said.

Describing as “worrisome” increasing inflitration from across the LoC, the Prime Minister said, “Infiltration across the LoC and also via other routes such as Nepal, Bangladesh and the sea is going up. Encounters with armed militants have become more frequent in recent weeks and months.”

In a veiled reference to infiltrators from Pakistan, Mr Singh said that “secessionist and militant groups” within J&K along with “outside elements” have embarked on a series of protest movements with the apparent intention of creating an impression of widespread turmoil in the state.

“We must not and I repeat we must not allow such a situation to develop. It is imperative that these disruptive efforts are contained, controlled and effectively checked,” he said. Mr Singh said dealing with Maoists requires a “nuanced” strategy.”