India is more secure now than three months ago: Chidambaram

Asserting that India was more secure now than it was three months ago, Union home minister P Chidambaram on Sunday, warned that the country's reply to any attack on its territory like the one in Mumbai "will be severe".

Addressing a meeting in his constituency Sivaganga, he said the country's safety and security would be further strengthened.

Paramilitary forces, army and police were being given more equipments and arms to ensure total safety and security of India.

He said India was surrounded by Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangaladesh and Pakistan, which were facing various problems and Indian army is in a state of preparedness.

"India is the only country where candle of democracy is spreading light."

Chidambaram described the National Rural Employment Guarantee programme and farm loan waiver as revolutionary schemes of the UPA government.

All the pioneering schemes of the government had been started implementing in Sivaganga.

The Nine per cent economic growth should be maintained for the development of backward areas.