President says all countries must deal firmly with terror

President of India Pratibha Patil launching the 'Secure the Girl Child Programme' in New Delhi on December 4, 2009 on the occasion of the inauguration of the Global Conference on Security Knowledge and Employability

Stressing that terrorism is not a limited threat but a worldwide operation, President Pratibha Patil today said every country must fulfill its repsonsibility to deal firmly with the evil.

"The sustenance lines of terrorists must be completely dried up," Ms Patil said in her inaugural address at the Global Conference on Security Knowledge and Employability organised by the Central Association of Private Security Industry and the Association of Private Detectives and Investigators.

"Every State has a responsibility, and it must fulfill it, to deal firmly and immediately with any person, individual or group in its territory, involved in any manner with terrorism, be it training, financing, operating, indoctrinating, facilitating or masterminding acts of terror anywhere in the world," she said.

Ms Patil said the security environment in the world was complex, with threats to security and stability arising out of many factors, especially terrorism, apart from crime and other law and order situations.

She said the exposure of innocent civilian population to random incidents of violence had increased as terrorists had adopted more audacious and more insidious methods.

"While it is true that such factors have raised concerns about security and safety issues, it is also remarkable to note the determination of the people, not to be deterred by or to allow their lives to be disrupted by acts of terrorism. Any path to address security concerns requires measures that instill confidence in the minds of the public without creating alarm," she said.

The President pointed out that many countries in all parts of the world had been the targets of terrorists and it was a fallacy to think that any country or society could be immune to terror attacks.

"It is an ideology born out of hatred and its adherents belong to no religion, culture or civilization. An effective response to it would require a concerted, coordinated and cooperative effort by all Governments and by all citizens of the world who seek peace and development. The global compact against terrorism needs to be strengthened. In this context, the early conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, which is currently being negotiated in the United Nations, will be important," she said.

Ms Patil said that, at the operational level, improved intelligence gathering, surveillance systems and intelligence sharing were essential steps.

The objective should be to work together in such a collective and unified manner, that the terrorists can get no leeway or support or encouragement from any quarter, she emphasised.

She said nations should strengthen their own structures to deal with terrorism. India, which has been a victim of terrorism for more than two decades, has taken steps to strengthen laws and institutions to respond to such attacks, she said, adding that it would . ontinue to keep this issue under constant review and take appropriate measures.

She also spoke about the implications terrorism had for the law and order situatio and othr crimes.

"The nexus between drug running, gun running and counterfeit currency and terrorists has deep security implications. The net is cast wide and it means that security issues would require each citizen to be vigilant and to adhere to security measures. There have been instances where due to the alertness of citizens, many incidents have been averted. It is, therefore important, that all citizens are given some basic training on security norms and they remain alert about any untoward happenings in their neighborhood," she suggested.

She said the security apparatus of the States, including the Armed Forces, the paramilitary forces, the border security forces and the police forces, were working to ensure security and law and order. According to her, private security agencies can contribute to their efforts.

The President said all private security agencies must function within the ambit of the Private Security Agencies Regulation Act of 2005. She noted that while many State Governments had passed the required rules in respect of this legislation, action was pending in some others.

"It is necessary that these States also complete the requisite procedures," she pointed out.

Apart from augmenting the efforts of Governmet agencies, private security agencies could also counsel and guide individuals and business organizations, regarding the installation of security features in their premises, which as precautionary measures can add to a sense of security, she said.

Ms Patil said that, on all these issues, a process of dialogue between the representatives of private security agencies and the Government must be maintained.

She also stressed the need for private security agencies to enhance their performance and accountability. In this context, she mentioned training and skills improvement as areas which need attention. She also spoke about ensuring better working conditions and welfare for the 55 lakh people working in this sector.

NNN