Zero tolerance of terrorist activities: Patil

NEW DELHI - The government had a “zero tolerance” policy towards terrorism and remained vigilant against all forms of challenges posed by the threat, President Pratibha Patil Monday said.

“Zero tolerance of terrorist activities is our principled policy. We have to keep constant watch and innovate against global terrorist groups,” Patil said, addressing a joint sitting of both houses of parliament on the opening day of the budget session.

Detailing some measures taken by the government to strengthen the security apparatus, Patil said the establishment of the four National Security Guard (NSG) hubs, the operationalisation of the National Investigation Agency and strengthening the Multi-Agency Centre that analyses intelligence alerts on a real time basis had helped hinterland security.

“The overall internal security, law and order and the communal situation remained largely under control during 2009. Infiltration of terrorists from across the line of control in Jammu and Kashmir has gone up,” she said.

“Even then, the security situation has improved significantly in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the north east, but left wing extremism continues to be a significant cause of concern.”