The Hindu Business Line : `Terrorism is the biggest threat'

Economic globalisation and technological developments have given rise to new forms of crimes, and terrorism has emerged as the most dangerous threat to the country today.

Stating this, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh urged police officers to gear up to meet the new challenges and provide the best possible security for citizens.

Dr Singh was speaking at the Dikshant Parade of the 58th batch of IPS Probationers of the Sardar Vallabhai Patel National Police Academy here on Thursday.

As India modernises, large urban agglomerations are throwing up organised crime on an unprecedented scale. White-collar crime is assuming new dimensions. Criminals now have access to sophisticated equipment. Hence the police force must equip itself to deal effectively with the situation, he said.

The Prime Minister pointed to the growing security needs of the aged, women and children. "Increasingly our older citizens are living alone in cities as a result of nuclear families. Similarly, women and children are vulnerable to harassment and exploitation. It is the police's duty to make them feel secure by adopting a more humane approach," he said.

"From an occasional footnote," Dr Singh said, "terrorism has grown to become a hydra-headed monster."

Today's terrorists are most sophisticated, have transnational links and adequate resources.

Stating that internal security had become a major issue, Dr Singh said problems are no longer confined to a single State and often involve several States. This calls for not just improved coordination between States but also new modes of cooperation, using the best of technologies.

Dr Singh presented trophies and awards for meritorious performances. The Prime Minister's Baton and Home Ministry's Revolver for best all-round IPS Probationer was presented to Mr Nishant Kumar Tiwary. Mr Kamal Kumar, Director of the Academy, said in his report that 78 probationary officers, including eight women passed out of the 58th basic course. There were also three officers from the Maldivian Police and four from the Royal Bhutan Police.

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