Thursday, March 10 2005 22:48 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (March 10, 2005) rejected the Opposition NDA (National Democratic Alliance) charge that the internal security situation has deteriorated after UPA (United Progressive Alliance) coalition came to power nine months ago.

"I entirely disagree that Manipur is burning (as alleged by BJP)," Singh said adding the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast has improved in recent months.

However, there were challenges, which could be tackled through purposeful and cohesive actions on the basis of broad national consensus, he said replying to the debate in Rajya Sabha on the motion of thanks to the President's address to Parliament.

He said the challenges like cross-border terrorism; narcotics and drug trafficking had to be tackled by strengthening administrative mechanism, security and intelligence apparatus. "We are at it."

Singh said Manipur, which was burning when the UPA Government assumed power, was now peaceful due to various measures it had taken and hoped "we can bring back normalcy so that all attention could be devoted to development of the region."

Identifying unemployment as one of the main reasons for growth of insurgency, Singh promised to work with State Governments in the region to generate more employment.

Turning to Nagaland, Singh said the UPA Government has successfully brought negotiations with NSCN-IM (National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah) into the country unlike the previous NDA Government, which was holding consultations in Bangkok and Paris.