New-age terrorists tech-savvy,invisible: PM

Describing the new-age terrorists as more knowledgeable and well-read and extremely deft with technology,Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said it was important that a security agency like the Special Protection Group SPG constantly upgrades itself in terms of its capabilities and training.

Terrorism today has acquired new forms and new shapes. It is now often driven by a bold and educated class of terrorists. While security forces are seen and known and their actions are mostly predictable,the new-age terrorists are invisible and possess far better capability to create networks for sharing knowledge,skills and resources. Their activities are marked by the use of the latest technology as a force multiplier. The security environment in our country today is also impacted by a large number of external factors which are not really within our control, the PM said at the 27th Raising Day of the SPG.

It is therefore of critical importance that the SPG should continue upgrading itself continuously,both in terms of technology and training. It must induct top quality and highly motivated personnel in adequate numbers,provide them an environment that encourages good performance and equip them with the latest technology and skills to meet the ever emerging new challenges. I assure our governments full support to the organisation in its endeavours in this direction, he said.

I am happy that the organisation has been adopting innovative methods in training its personnel and acquiring security preparedness capabilities in line with international best practices. It has also been undertaking in-house research and development for improvements in technology and weaponry and possible measures to meet the threat of nuclear,biological and chemical warfare, he said.