"No other device or weapon can be as useful as intelligence can be. Unfortunately, the machinery, which is with the States, is not strong enough to collect the intelligence," he said and advocated that it was necessary to strengthen them without delays.

The states and the Union help one another, in sharing the intelligence. "What is given by the Union to the States is not always of operational nature. Some times, misunderstanding develops when such matters are discussed publicly," he said.

To control the terrorism in the hinterland, Patil said "we have to see that infiltration of terrorists from other countries do not take place through sea routes and through the borders between India and friendly countries. The coast lines also have to be guarded through Navy, coast guard, coastal police."

Welcoming the Home Minister, Intelligence Bureau Director P C Haldar said the country was facing a new type of terrorism from religious fundamentalist organisations. He said the annual conference would review terrorism situation in the country threadbare and discuss measures to counter the fresh challenges.

The function was attended by three Ministers of State for Home -- Sriprakash Jaiswal, Shakeel Ahmed, Radhika Selvi, National Security Advisor M K Narayanan, Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar and Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta.