Internal security still a challenge: Prime Minister at CMs' meet

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said that the issue of internal security remains a big challenge in which the states and the Centre must work together and in harmony. On the controversial issue of National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Prime Minister said that the issue will be discussed on May 5 separately as requested by some Chief Ministers.

"Internal security situation by and large satisfactory since February 2011. Threat from terror, left-wing extremism remains and needs constant vigil. We have to deal with them firmly. In Jammu and Kashmir, there has been perceptible improvement in security environment. Situation in north east remains complex," he said.

"Like other internal security matters, we need joint and coordinated efforts to deal with the challenge of terrorism," he added. He also said the number of districts under the integrated action plan to push development has been increased from 60 to 78 across seven states affected by Maoist violence.

The Prime Minister said that the state governments are the primary responders in most internal security situations. "The Centre will continue its support to capacity building and police modernisation efforts by the States," he said.

In his speech, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram said it's a worrying trend that people jump to support terror accused because of their religion. In his inaugural speech at the chief ministers' meet in the capital, the Home Minister said that 18 terror modules have been neutralised in 2011 and 3 in 2012 but the LoC and international borders are still vulnerable.

"Violence declined in 2011 be it J-K, north east or left-wing extremism-affected states. Assam has emerged as new theatre of Maoist groups. International border in the west and LoC continue to be vulnerable to infiltration from across the border," he said.

"The state governments are the frontline in defending the security. In Jammu and Kashmir has been peaceful tourism has also increased. 2012 will see further advancement in bringing peace. The conspiracies behind two terror attacks in 2012 have been solved. Prime suspects in recent blasts in 2012 are Indian nationals," Chidambaram added.

He said that Assam has emerged as the new hotbed for Maoist activities.