New Delhi: Asserting that maintenance of law and order was essential for political and economic stability, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee asked intelligence agencies and security forces to keep round-the- clock vigil to defeat nefarious designs sponsored from across the border.

"We can acquire weapons and wealth. But what we really need is to maintain continuous vigil and alertness to meet the challenges posed to India's security," he said while addressing the country's top police brass at a three-day conference organised by the Intelligence Bureau.

Lauding the security forces for their supreme sacrifice in defending the nation's unity and integrity, Vajpayee said "we are fully capable of defending our lives, police is there but there is no police Raj (rule). The Raj is that of the people."

Observing that he felt reassured about the country's internal security situation in view of the contribution being made by the security agencies, he said "new threats and challenges were being thrown up and we have to successfully meet them. There is a need for 24 hours alertness."

The Prime Minister said criminals were using all modern technology for their benefit. "Therefore, it is necessary that we should be better equipped scientifically to counter all their nefarious designs," he added.

PTI