From correspondents in Delhi, India, 02:33 PM IST

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday said 'massive efforts' have been launched to guard the country's maritime borders after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and the government would pursue its promise of zero tolerance to terrorism.

Replying to a debate on the president's address to parliament, Manmohan Singh said: 'Massive efforts have begun to guard our maritime borders. As the president said, there will be zero tolerance to terrorism.'

He also expressed concern that 'left wing extremism' continued to flourish in tribal areas because of 'social and economic discontent'.

'There is a climate where violence flourishes. It should be our objective to ensure that people are not carried away with social and economic discontent and join the ranks of the extremists,' Manmohan Singh said.

He said despite several efforts in the tribal areas much needs to be done, and added that the 'whole development strategy for tribal areas, especially in central India, needs a fresh look'.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)