All this shows that efforts to disturb the current status quo have not been given up.'

On Maoist violence, Manmohan Singh maintained that were indications of 'yet more offensive action' by these groups.

'There have been heavy casualties inflicted recently on security forces by Naxalite groups. There are also indications of yet more offensive action by these groups,' he warned.

'The problem of left wing extremism is indeed a complex one. There is a need for a balanced and nuanced strategy to deal with it. On the one hand the state should discharge its responsibilities and obligations and re-establish the rule of law in areas dominated by the Naxalites.'

The prime minister has often described Maoist violence as the country's biggest internal security challenge and also made a mention in his Independence Day address of redoubling efforts to contain the rebels.

Referring to the northeast, the prime minister said there was overall improvement but the situation in some states, particularly in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, remained problematic and worrisome.

'Assam and Manipur account for a disproportionately large number of violent incidents reported from the north-east, with the latter's share being as high as 30 percent.'

While the communal situation in the country was more or less normal, Manmohan Singh singled out Maharashtra and Karnataka and said they needed to be more vigilant.

'States like Maharashtra and Karnataka need to exercise greater vigil to maintain communal peace. Karnataka, in particular, has witnessed a number of communal incidents during this year,' he said.

'What is more worrisome is that the incidents were not limited to one or two districts. Like in other areas of internal security, we must all be on our guard against attempts by communal fanatics to accentuate communal tensions, disturb the peace and weaken the fabric of our inclusive society.'