Intelligence reports warn of imminent attacks: PM

Noting that both state and non-state actors are engaged in the "business" of terrorism, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Tuesday that the regular Intelligence reports had warned of "imminent attacks" in the country and security forces needed to be prepared to meet any challenge.

Addressing the top commanders of three Services in New Delhi, he also said that the situation in India's immediate neighbourhood had worsened, apparently referring to the developments in Pakistan which he did not spell out.

He referred to last year's Mumbai attacks and the terror strike at the Indian Embassy in Kabul earlier this month, which he said was "yet another grim reminder of the forces" that India is pitted against.

"There are both state and non-state actors involved in the business of terrorism. India is a democracy and an open society and is, therefore, sometimes highly vulnerable," Singh said.

He pointed out that there has been no major terrorist attack in India since the 'horrific' Mumbai attacks but said "there are regular Intelligence reports of imminent attacks in the country. This is a matter of deep concern and there is no room for complacency".

Referring to the Mumbai attacks whose first anniversary would be observed next month, Singh said the incident had confirmed "our worst fears about the lethal dimensions of terrorism and non-traditional threats to our security".

He said the government had taken several steps to strengthen the intelligence and security machinery and coordination between the Centre and the states.

"We have to improve our defensive mechanisms against all forms of terrorism, asymmetric warfare and aggravated militancy. We need to be prepared to face onslaughts of this kind, but we should avoid kneejerk reactions," Singh said at the Combined Commanders' Conference which discussed the security situation in the country and in the immediate neighbourhood.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Sonia Gandhi hails Karnataka showing, PM says BJP ideology rejected

What Next: Congress will trumpet this victory till 2014, but Karnataka needs good governance

CBI has become a caged parrot, says Supreme Court on coal scam report

I am a strong contenders for CM post: Siddaramaiah