Voicing serious concern over the ongoing spate of violent protests in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh highlighted the need to “revisit” standard operating procedures and crowd control measures by security forces to deal with public agitations. Addressing the Conference of Directors General and Inspectors General of Police in New Delhi on Thursday, the Prime Minister called for non-lethal methods to deal with public agitations. He also called for a high power task force to make a set of recommendations for this in two to three months. Dr. Manmohan Singh said that after a relative lull last year, the challenges to internal security in the country seem to have re-emerged in more virulent form. He said that the growing presence of non-state actors, fundamentalist groups and left wing extremists have further complicated matters. He said there is a need for greater coordination between security agencies in view of the growing inter-linkages of destabilising and criminal forces across states and borders.While reiterating that the government is ready to talk with Naxalites provided they abjure the path of violence, the Prime Minister said much more needs to be done to meet the challenge of Naxalism. He said the government is committed to special efforts for Naxal affected areas which are predominantly inhabited by tribal people. On North-East, Dr. Singh said that while the situation in general is better than it was in the recent past, there are areas of concern especially in Manipur where the Naga-Metei divide has accentuated. He said the situation in Darjeeling also needs a careful watch and the writ of the state should be firmly established in the area.