Our real challenges lie at home

OPINION/ Manmohan Singh

The internal security situation in our country continues to remain a cause of concern for both the Central and state governments. I have often said that most of the challenges we face are at home. Among them, the internal security challenge is one of the key one.

As we scan the internal security scenario, we notice a large number of incidents which should alert us to the formidable challenges we face as a nation. Hyderabad was recently witness to a heinous act of terrorism in which many innocent lives were lost. It was committed with an intent to terrorise ordinary citizens and demoralise our security apparatus. Naxalites attempted to eliminate a former chief minister near Nellore.

Violent incidents continue in some states of the North-East, particularly in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland. The ethnic overtones of violent acts in Assam are particularly disturbing. While the situation in Jammu & Kashmir has shown some overall improvement, violent incidents keep recurring. And last but not the least, we are seeing many incidents of vigilantism and citizens taking law into their own hands, particularly in states like Bihar.

While some of it could be the result of personal frustration, some of it also arises out of dissatisfaction over the functioning of law enforcement and justice systems.

These incidents, and many others you are well aware of, should only strengthen our resolve to constantly improve our internal security machinery. We need better police forces, better in all senses, be it training, be it skills, be it equipment, be it resources, be it mobility or be it attitudes. We need superior intelligence capabilities which can alert us to the impending threats. We need greater discipline, lesser politicisation and zero corruption. We are committed to supporting your efforts in this direction. However, you need to provide the necessary leadership and direction to the forces under your command.

We need to work with greater commitment for eliminating the threats posed by Naxalism. I have said in the past that there are many dimensions to the problems of Naxalism. While concerted efforts are being made on the development front to remove any feeling of alienation, the police forces need to redouble their efforts to control the spread of this phenomenon. Some states like Andhra Pradesh have demonstrated that where there is a will, there is a way forward. Other states need to work with equal determination and in tandem to eliminate this menace.

Terrorism has become a global phenomenon of our times. In terrorist organisations, we face determined, committed and highly motivated adversaries working with evil design and evil intent. We need to go far beyond conventional responses in facing the severe terrorist threats.

The security problems of the North-East and Jammu & Kashmir have many dimensions unique to these regions. The government is working on many fronts "" through dialogue processes, through development activities and through improved communication links "" to tackle these problems. All the same, the police forces have an obligation to continually work towards a safe and secure environment for the ordinary citizens.

That brings me to an important issue which often gets neglected but is of great concern as far as the ordinary citizens are concerned. That is the maintenance of law and order on matters which directly impinge our citizens.

It is my belief that citizens want a secure environment to live and carry out their activities. Safety of their bodies and their property is their priority.

Their worries centre around petty nuisances, harassment by local criminals or gangs, goondaism, dadagiri, and in some areas, threats of violence and even kidnapping and extortion. Women and senior citizens are increasingly concerned about their safety. Girls worry about the growing eve-teasing. Parents worry about child abuse. As we get more urbanised, these offences are increasing.

White collar crime too is seeing a rise. Are we, then, tackling these problems adequately? It is only by addressing these concerns that police forces will be able to reach out to the citizens and win their confidence and affection. Our people should be willing to approach a policeman with the same assurance with which they visit a doctor. That should be our common endeavour.

Coming to the urgent need for reforms in the criminal justice system, we have the report of the Justice Malimath Committee and also the work being done by the committee under the chairmanship of Madhav Menon on preparing a "Draft National Policy Paper on Criminal Justice." I am happy that the home minister has initiated actions on these reports. We must move speedily and with determination to make the required changes in the criminal justice system.

(Excerpts from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's speech at a conference of the country's top police officers on October 4, 2007, in New Delhi)