Indian PM Terms Naxalism, Terrorism, Fundamentalism Key Challenges

New Delhi, Feb 4, IRNA – India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh termed Maoist violence, cross border terrorism and religious fundamentalism as key internal security challenges and favored dealing them firmly and effectively. Addressing a conference of chief secretaries in New Delhi, Singh promised all possible assistance to the states in their efforts to deal with all internal security challenges. 'Serious challenges and threats, primarily from left wing extremism, cross border terrorism, religious fundamentalism and ethnic violence still persist. These need to be tackled with a firm and effective and yet sensitive hand,' he said. Lauding efforts to maintain peace, Singh said the central government will continue providing all possible assistance to the states in their efforts in this direction./end