Internal security a cause for concern: Manmohan

Doing some blunt speaking, Singh shared concern over 8216;goondaism8217;, 8216;dadagiri8217;, eve-teasing and child abuse and wanted a 8216;hard look8217; at functioning of police and making them more accountable to ensure a secure environment for the people.

8220;The internal security situation in our country continues to remain a cause for concern for both the Central and state governments,8221; the Prime Minister said at the four-day conference of Directors and Inspectors General of Police, organised by Intelligence Bureau.

8220;We need to take a hard look at the functioning. We must make them more accountable,8221; he said.

The Prime Minister spoke about the formidable internal security challenges in the light of recent terror attacks in Hyderabad, Naxalite activities in Andhra Pradesh and violence in Northeast.

While situation in Jammu and Kashmir has shown some improvement, violent incidents keep recurring, he said.

8220;And last but not least, we are seeing many incidents of vigilantism and citizens taking law into their own hands, particularly in Bihar. While some of it could be a result of personal frustration, some of it also arises out of dissatisfaction over the functioning of the law enforcement and justice system,8221; he said.

8220;Terrorism has become a global phenomenon of our times. In terrorist organisation, you face determined, committed and highly motivated adversaries working with evil intent. We need to go far beyond conventional responses in facing terrorist threats,8221; the Prime Minister said.

Referring to the Naxalism problem, he said a 8216;greater commitment8217; was needed to eliminate the threat. 8220;The police forces need to re-double their effort to control the spread of this phenomenon,8221; he said.

Some states like Andhra Pradesh have demonstrated that where there is a will, there is a way forward, while other states need to work with determination and in tandem to eliminate this menace, Singh said.

The Prime Minister said the country needed better police forces, be it training, skills, equipment, resources, mobility or attitudes. 8220;We need superior intelligence capabilities which can alert us to impending threats. We need greater discipline, lesser politicisation and zero corruption,8221; he said.

Speaking about the urgent need for reforms in the Criminal Justice System, he referred to reports of Justice Malimath Committee and Madhav Menon panel and said, 8220;we must move speedily and with determination to make the required changes in the criminal justice system8221;.

He said the National Police Mission should help in the creation of a new vision for the police and bring about a paradigm shift in their working.