'Naxal attack in WB an act of cowardice'

Terming the recent Maoist strike on a paramilitary camp in West Bengal as a 'cowardly' act, President Pratibha Patil on Monday made it clear that such 'senseless violence' would strengthen the government's resolve to tackle it with 'added vigour.'

Addressing both the houses of Parliament on the first day of the Budget session, she said Left wing extremists are continuing to indulge in violence.

"Left wing extremists continue to indulge in senseless violence, as seen in their recent attacks in West Bengal where a large number of innocent lives have been lost. These cowardly acts strengthen our resolve to meet with added vigour the challenge posed by such violence," Patil said.

She said the government has given an offer to Naxal groups to abjure violence and come for talks. Speaking on the overall security scenario of the country, the President said though the security situation has improved significantly in Jammu and Kashmir as well as in the North East, Left wing extremism continues to be a significant cause of concern.

However, she noted that infiltration of terrorists from across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir has gone up.

Condoling the February 13 Pune blast, she said, "We have to keep constant watch and innovate against global terrorist groups."

The overall internal security, law and order, and the communal situation, she said, remained largely under control during 2009.

Underlining measures taken to strengthen security apparatus of the country to meet the 'grave challenge posed by terrorism,' the President said government has taken several steps in that direction.

"These include strengthening of state and district police machinery and Central paramilitary forces, operationalisation of the National Investigative Agency, establishment of four National Security Guard hubs to ensure quick and effective response to any possible terror attack, augmentation of strength of the Intelligence Bureau, strengthening of Multi-Agency Centre in the IB to enable it to function on a round-the-clock basis, and strengthening of coastal security," Patil said.