PM warns of more fidayeen attacks

NAINITAL: Describing as 'worrisome' the activities of externally-sponsored terror groups, prime minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday warned of a spurt in suicide attacks targeting religious, economic and sensitive institutions in the country.

He termed as disconcerting reports that suggest the existence of a number of terrorist modules and sleeper cells in some urban areas which provide the backup for foreign terrorist outfits.

"The activities of externally-sponsored terrorist outfits is equally worrisome. Their involvement has grown.

"The concern is that there could be a further intensification involving greater use of fidayeen elements and targeting of a wider range of religions, economic and sensitive objects," Singh said addressing the two-day conclave here of chief ministers of Congress-ruled states.

"Intelligence is clearly the key to better performance. Improvements in intelligence are being effected at Central and State levels," he said while asking the chief ministers to tone up their intelligence machinery.

"This should go down to the local police station levels," he said.

Emphasising on the importance of generating intelligence at the police station level, the Prime Minister pointed out that this area had not got the desired attention.

"There is no substitute for adequately trained and equipped police force and intelligence agencies. I am afraid this does not get the desired attention," he said.

"You need to look into this," he told the chief ministers attending the conclave.

Referring to the growing influence of naxalites in several states, Singh said they have thrived in the 'most neglected' areas of the country, particularly the tribal areas.

Observing that Andhra Pradesh had been most successful against naxalites, he suggested that officers from other affected states be sent to the Andhra Pradesh to get an insight and training to tackle the menace.