NIA, security agencies to be strengthened: Rajnath Singh

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said security agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA) would be strengthened in view of the enormous challenges facing the country.

"Organisations like the NIA are to be empowered. They have to be well organised in order to carry out their duties," the home minister said while addressing a gathering of NIA officials on the occasion of the agency's Raising Day here.

"Modern equipment are needed. Work is on (in this direction) and efficiency of the NIA will increase further," Rajnath Singh said.

He said the NIA has been "performing professionally" ever since it came into being in 2009, and the government will provide it with all modern equipment needed to increase its efficiency.

The NIA, set up on January 19, in 2009, aims to match international standards in investigating counter-terrorism and other national security-related cases at the national level.

Terming terrorism as a curse and a global challenge, the minister said India was committed to fight it.

"Terrorism is a global challenge. India supports countries fighting against it," he added.

The home minister also appreciated Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra's suggestion on the occasion for setting up National Security Administrative Services to deal with challenges like terrorism and other security issues.

"I appreciate the suggestions made by the governor and will take them up at the appropriate forum," he said.

Vohra, besides suggesting need for National Security Administrative Services, also said that there should be separate ministry to deal with terrorism and other security issues.

The governor said that state governments should not fight over whether a particular case shoudl be investigated by the NIA or police.