TERROR GOUPS IN PAKISTAN ARE PLANNING TO CARRY OUT FRESH ATTACKS IN INDIA PM

Terror groups in Pak planning fresh attacks: PM

Terror groups in Pakistan are planning to carry out fresh attacks in India and there has been a surge in infiltration this year which is "disturbing", Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said in New Delhi on Monday. The area of operation of terrorists today extended far beyond the confines of Jammu and Kashmir and covers all parts of the country, Dr Singh said while addressing a conference of the Chief Ministers on Internal Security. "There is credible information of ongoing plans of terrorist groups in Pakistan to carry out fresh attacks," Dr Singh told the conference attended by Home Minister P Chidambaram. Noting that there were signs of revival of over-ground militant activities, he said attempts were being made to "link isolated and unconnected incidents like the one in Shopian, Sopore and Baramulla to create an impression of a groundswell of anti-India feeling. "All this shows that efforts to disturb the current status quo have not been given up. Fortunately, the annual Amarnath Yatra passed off without incident, a tribute to the secular character of Jammu and Kashmir," Dr Singh said. He said the situation in the state during past few years has seen a substantial improvement with figures of violence steadly declining and touching an all time low. "But there are some disturbing trends. Levels of infiltration which had come down very substantially have seen a surge this year, alongside an increase in infiltration attempts. The infiltrators appear more battle-hardened, better equipped, and in possession of sophisticated communication equipment," the Prime Minister said. Dr Singh said while additional measures after the Mumbai terror attack last year, cross-border terrorism remains a most pervasive threat and "there is need for continued vigilance." "The challenges posed by asymmetric warfare and terrorism as also left wing extremism can only be met through new ideas and more resolute actions. We need to be ahead of the curve if we are to succeed," he said. Terming Left-wing extremism as a "complex" problem, he said the state should discharge its responsibilities and obligations and re-establish the rule of law in areas dominated by naxalities and at the same time work for removing causes which lead to alienation of people and problems. On communal situation, he said while no serious communal incident has taken place in past five years, some states like Maharashtra and Karnataka need to exercise greater vigil to maintain communal peace. "Karnataka, in particular, has witnessed a number of communal incidents this year. What is more worrisome is that the incidents were not limited to one of two districts," the Prime Minister said, adding "...we must all be on our guard against attempts by fanatics to accentuate communal problems, disturb peace and weaken the fabric of our inclusive society."