Wednesday, January 26 2005 16:01 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Insisting that threat to the country's internal security has increased "manifold" in recent past, BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) president L K Advani today (Jan 26, 2005) sought a rethink on the Government's policy on the matter.

The former Deputy Prime Minister said naxalite violence was on the rise and asked the Centre to hold consultations with affected States and security agencies to deal with the problem effectively.

"Threat to internal security has increased manifold in the past few months with Naxalite activities on the rise in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring States," he told reporters in New Delhi.

"Time has come for the Government to have a rethink on the issue of internal security," the Leader of the Opposition said after unfurling the national tricolour at his residence on the occasion of 56th Republic Day.

Advani maintained that naxalite movement is regaining momentum in Andhra Pradesh. "Apart from inspiring fear and terror, recent surge in Naxal attacks has also given rise to a feeling of respect for Naxalites among people, since they seem to be gaining attention with their activities," he said.

He also said that all support should be extended and efforts made to rehabilitate people affected by tsunami as well as the victims of temple stampede in Maharashtra.