Press Trust of India / New Delhi Feb 22, 2010, 12:30 IST
Terming the recent Maoist strike on a paramilitary camp in West Bengal as a 'cowardly' act, President Pratibha Patil today made it clear that such "senseless violence" would strengthen the government's resolve to tackle it with "added vigour".
Addressing both Houses of Parliament on the first day of the Budget session, she said Left wing extremists are continuing to indulge in violence.
"Left wing extremists continue to indulge in senseless violence, as seen in their recent attacks in West Bengal where a large number of innocent lives have been lost. These cowardly acts strengthen our resolve to meet with added vigour the challenge posed by such violence," Patil said.
She said the government has given an offer to Naxal groups to abjure violence and come for talks.
Speaking on the overall security scenario of the country, the President said though the security situation has improved significantly in Jammu and Kashmir as well as in the North East, Left wing extremism continues to be a significant cause of concern.
However, she noted that infiltration of terrorists from across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir has gone up.
Condoling the February 13 Pune blast, she said, "We have to keep constant watch and innovate against global terrorist groups."
The overall internal security, law and order, and the communal situation, she said, remained largely under control during 2009.
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