Asking security forces in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure maximum security firmly, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said human rights should be observed and there should be "zero tolerance" for custodial death.
Chairing a meeting of the Unified Command of various security forces in Srinagar amid a spurt in terror attacks in the state, he declared that violence never resolves any problem and dialogue was the only way out.
"It is possible and desirable that you should be firm but humane, effective and efficient in control but inobtrusive," Dr Singh said at the meeting attended by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, state Governor S K Sinha, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and heads of army and paramilitary forces.
Dr Singh said the security forces should at all times function within the parameters of law, the prime minister's media adviser Sanjaya Baru told reporters after the 90-minute meeting.
The security forces "must be steadfast in their commitment to human rights and there should be zero tolerance for custodial death," the prime minister underlined.
He set the motto for security forces -- maximum security with minimum disruption of normal life.