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Monday, February 25, 2008

Govt giving high priority to modernisation of forces: President

NEW DELHI: Government is giving "high priority" to modernisation of its police and security forces to deal with the threat of terrorism and Left-wing extremism, President Pratibha Patil said on Monday..

Describing the overall internal security situation in the country as "under control", she said in her maiden address to the joint sitting of Parliament that government was "fully alive" to the threat of terrorism and Left wing extremism.

"Government is helping states affected by Left-wing extremism both on the internal security and the development and social empowerment fronts. Modernisation of the police and security forces and of intelligence gathering systems is receiving high attention," she said.

Patil said the entire nation stood as one in condemning inhuman acts of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Assam.

"Government has been resolute in trying to stamp out Left-wing extremism," she said, adding that the Conference of Chief Ministers on Internal Security underscored the importance of Centre and the States working together to fight the menace of extremism and terrorism.

Patil said that the people of the country have stood as one in rejecting the "politics of hatred" in the face of extreme acts of violence against innocent people, including those near religious places.

An environment of communal harmony and amity prevailed in the country as people refused to be provoked, she said, adding that the Government would always remain vigilant against machinations of anti-national groups.

The President said the Government has also taken several steps to promote modernisation and welfare of the armed forces.

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