New Delhi:
The government today said the country's internal security situation was improving even as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh termed Naxalism as a "major problem" and sought the cooperation of states concerned to tackle the scourge.
Celebrating the third anniversary of UPA II, Dr Singh said that "Internal security scenario has been by and large satisfactory."
He referred to peaceful conduct of Panchayat election in Kashmir and the high voter turnout, saying it showed that things were changing in the state.
"The scourge of Naxalism, however, continues to be a major problem and I seek the cooperation of the concerned state governments to tackle this menace," Dr Singh said.
In the 'Report to the People 2011-12' released by Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, the Government said that it was trying to deal with Left Wing extremism in a holistic manner, in the areas of security, development, ensuring rights of local communities, good governance and public perception.
Amongst its achievements in the past year, the government listed operationalising of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), acquiring land for the headquarters of National Intelligence Grid in Delhi and release of Rs 800 crore for modernisation of state police forces.
Government also highlighted that it had launched a coastal Security Scheme with an outlay of Rs 1579 crore.