President calls for modernisation of Indian police

New Delhi: Seeking for an overhaul in the system to fight terror, the President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil stressed that the country needs to modernise its police force with greater investments in cyber and technical intelligence, communication systems and forensic capabilities.

Inaugurating the Conference of Governors here on Tuesday, the President said, "There is need for an institutional mechanism to seamlessly share intelligence on real-time basis to foil the attempts of terrorists and naxalites. A healthy police-population ratio needs to be maintained."

It is for consideration whether the help of ex-servicemen who have experience in handling inimical forces could be enlisted in this effort, she said.

The President pointed out that some of the affected states, particularly in the North East, as reported have a deficit of one-fifth of the sanctioned strength of constabulary, adding that insufficient number of police stations affects police outreach.

Fund allocations for security forces by the States has stagnated or grown marginally, Patil said.

"All this has a crippling effect on the efficacy of the law and order machinery. Given your pre-eminent positions, you can provide the right lead in this direction," the Indian President said.

Stating battle against terrorism, Left Wing Extremism and insurgency as big challenges India facing now, she said that intervention by trans-border elements also poses a threat to the country's security and integrity.

The state and central governments have to deal firmly with those who follow the path and culture of guns, Patil said.

As the naxalite problem is also an expression of neglect, deprivation and disaffection amongst the downtrodden, the solution lies largely in our ability to deepen the democratic process, usher in good governance, rapid economic development, equity and justice besides expanding employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, she said.

"While not showing any leniency to disruptive and separatist elements, we have to also sensitise our security personnel to exercise maximum possible restraint and show respect to local sentiments and gender sensitivity in the disturbed areas," the President said.