Kalam for four-pronged approach to tackle terrorism

Former President APJ Abdul Kalam says that a unified intelligence system and speedy trial of cases was necessary to combat terrorism as he called for more active participation of citizens in the fight against the menace.

Former President APJ Abdul Kalam on Friday said a unified intelligence system and speedy trial of cases was necessary to combat terrorism as he called for more active participation of citizens in the fight against the menace.

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"I advocate four things that are necessary to remove terrorism. First of all, citizens should be more alert and vigilant and thus complement the efforts of the law-enforcing agencies. Secondly, there should be one intelligence agency in the country.

"Thirdly, courts should work towards speedy trial and disposal of cases pertaining to terrorism. Lastly, we must wipe out poverty through economic progress," the former President said at a function organised by city-based SS Khanna Girls Degree College.

The "missile man", who arrived in the city on a two-day visit, was replying to a student's question who wished to know whether harsh laws were the only way to fight terrorism.

To another query, Kalam said "At present we are producing 30,000 MW of electricity. By 2020, our energy requirement is likely to grow ten-fold. We will not be able to meet that through conventional sources or alternatives like solar and wind power. Hence, nuclear energy is essential for our progress."

Kalam also stressed the need for removing corruption from society and asked children to do their bit by discouraging their elders "from indulging in corrupt practises".

The former President also underscored the need for the betterment of women "which is essential for the progress of society as a whole" and asked the students to work for removing evils like dowry, female foeticide and infanticide and other crimes against the fair sex.