Thursday, February 16 2006 14:49 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Citing sophistication in terror activities and a significant increase in population in the national capital, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today (Feb 16 2006) asked the Delhi Police to step up use of technology to control crime.

"There is a key change in the character of terrorist activities, which use technology instead of muscle power," he said exhorting the police force to modernise intelligence gathering and investigation process to tackle crime effectively.

Addressing the 59th Raising Day of Delhi Police, he said there has been an increase in terror activities and it was necessary to have advance information about them to prevent loss of innocent lives.

With rapid increase in population, effective policing was necessary in cities where terrorist have been taking refuge in addition to forests and mountains, Patil said.

Observing that population of the national capital had already touched the 1.5 crore mark and the city being home to over 42 lakh vehicles, the Home Minister asked the police to devise innovative ways to manage traffic.

"Roads cannot be widened further and effective control of traffic is the key to avoid problems in the future," he said.

Lauding the Delhi Police for innovation in policing, Patil said "the way you think and act will definitely inspire the police force in other states."

Noting that Delhi Police had six per cent women in the force, Patil said steps should be taken to increase it to 10 per cent as suggested by the President and the Prime Minister.