Thaindian News

New Delhi, Mar 30 (ANI): The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, today urged police and security authorities to improve their professional standards and build more appropriate and better infrastructure to handle more effectively the threat of terrorism.

Addressing the 26th Raising Day of Special Protection Group (SPG) here, Dr Singh said: “Today, the threat of terrorism has acquired new dimensions. The new generation of terrorists possesses far greater capability to create networks for sharing knowledge, skills and resources. They have acquired State-like military capabilities in many of their fighting strategies and tactics.”

“The number of important dignitaries at risk from terrorists has also been rising and this is a cause for major concern for Governments across the globe,” he added.

He further said that the role of r internal security agencies in ensuring peace and stability is better appreciated today than ever before.

“There is, however, no doubt that the police and security authorities can be much more effective in this work if they further improve their professional standards, and build more appropriate and better infrastructure,” he added.

Recalling the tragic circumstances under which the Government had recognised the necessity of setting up a specialised VIP Protection Unit after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, Dr Singh said: ” The shocking assassination of Indira Gandhiji made us realize sharply the need for a committed, disciplined and highly trained security outfit for providing discreet but nonetheless effective security to the highest political leadership of the country.

Expressing happiness that the SPG had, in the past 26 years, evolved and developed into a formidable force, Dr Singh said: “I am happy to know that the SPG is one organisation that has been thinking ahead and making constant efforts to improve its tactical response to meet the ever changing threats.

“Following the sanction of the Special Intervention Unit, I am sure the SPG will go all out in its efforts to operationalise and put in place its new counter -terrorist arm at the very earliest,” he added.

On a personal note, Dr Singh said that he had, over the last seven years, observed the SPG from very close quarters.

“Over these years, my appreciation of the very difficult task that you perform has only grown. I thank you not only for taking care of my and my family’s security and safety but for also ensuring our comfort and convenience,” he added. (ANI)