Security forces, popular support capable of countering communalism, terrorism: Mukherjee

Praising the security forces for their yeoman services in defending the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the nation, President Pranab Mukherjee said on Saturday that any attempt by communal forces and terrorists to destabilize the harmony of the Indian people and the integrity of the state would be countered and neutralized effectively and aggressively.

Addressing the nation on the eve of the 65th Republic Day, President Mukherjee said: "Our problems will not disappear overnight. We live in a turbulent part of the world where factors of instability have grown in the recent past. Communal forces and terrorists will still seek to destabilize the harmony of our people and the integrity of our state but they will never win."

"Our security and armed forces, backed by the steel of popular support, have proved that they can crush an enemy within; with as much felicity as they guard our frontiers. Mavericks who question the integrity of our armed services are irresponsible and should find no place in public life," he added.

"I convey my special greetings to members of our armed forces, paramilitary forces and internal security forces," he said.