NEW DELHI: Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday said "people-friendly but tough" police were needed to tackle criminals and terrorists.
Speaking to police officials in Bengaluru after reviewing the law and order situation in Karnataka, Rajnath Singh instructed the authorities to take action on reports of discrimination against people from the northeastern states living there, the ministry said in a statement.
The home minister also asked the state administration to remain vigilant on illegal migration from Bangladesh.
Action against the sale of pre-activated SIM cards in the state was also discussed.
Rajnath Singh asked Karnataka Police to fill up all its vacancies - which was nearly 20 percent of its total strength - on a priority basis.
He also asked officials to adopt the latest technology and modernise the force.
On the Karnataka government's request to sanction two extra India Reserve Police battalions for the state, the minister said it would be positively examined.
Rajnath Singh said the central government will consider increasing the number of Marine India Reserve battalions in the state to strengthen coastal security.