Date:19/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/19/stories/2006011905771200.htm

National

Terrorism is the biggest threat: PM

Special Correspondent

Warns of "convergence of terror dealers, conventional criminals"

New Delhi: Terrorism is the biggest national security threat today and combating it presents "unique and unprecedented challenges," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Wednesday.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone for the Central Bureau of Investigation headquarters here, he warned of the "convergence of terror dealers and conventional criminals," which presented obvious and acute dealers.

Pro-active mode

Arguing for developing a nationally driven, fully integrated intelligence and investigative programme, Dr. Singh said the counter-terrorism culture would have to shift from a reactive to pro-active mode. "We should enhance our capability to be pro-active by generating and analysing intelligence, and by creating an environment that is inhospitable to terrorists. We must deny terrorists and their supporters the capacity to plan, organise and carry out logistical operations and support activities."

India's vulnerability to cyber-crime was escalating as the country's economy and critical infrastructure became increasingly reliant on interdependent computer networks and the Internet.

Dr. Singh wanted the CBI to take the lead in establishing and implementing new technical capabilities, databases, protocols, policies, procedures, standards and guidelines and also support the law enforcement operations of other agencies.

Delay in probe

Expressing concern over the delay in completion of investigation, he said the CBI should ponder this issue take remedial measures.

CBI Director Vijay Shankar said efforts would be made to make the agency "less fallible" so that it emerged as a critical component of good governance and efficient dispensation of justice and upheld the primacy of the rule of law and human rights.