The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has vowed to fight terrorism root and branch and enforce the writ of the State in dealing with Naxalism and political extremism. <br/><br/>Addressing the function after releasing the report card of the first year of the UPA-II in New Delhi on Tuesday, Dr Singh said that coastal and maritime security have assumed great importance after the Mumbai terror strikes and the government is committed to an integrated approach in meeting the challenge. <br/><br/>He also said that the UPA government is continuing with its focus on modernisation of armed forces and ensuring defence preparedness of the country. <br/><br/>On dealing with Naxalism, the Prime Minister asserted that the government will firmly enforce the writ of the State in the Naxal infested areas and at the same time pursue a policy that genuinely seeks to address developmental concerns at the grass root level. <br/><br/>Dr Singh said that government will fight against the scourge of communalism and political extremism to ensure the growth of a plural and liberal nation. He said, economy is expected to grow at 8.5 per cent this fiscal despite difficult global economic situation. In the last fiscal, the revised growth is pegged at 7.4 per cent. <br/><br/>Expressing concern over the rising prices, he said prices are now showing a moderating trend which is likely to continue. He expressed hope that New Delhi will consolidate its relations with neighbours and all major powers in the coming years.<br/><br/>Earlier, he along with the UPA Chairperson, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi released the report card. It brings to the fore a number of important decisions and measures taken by the government on the security front. <br/>