Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday emphasised that "terrorism, insurgency and extremism need to be tackled with a firm and yet sensitive hand" as a requirement for rapid economic growth.

"It is one of the primary responsibilities of any government to ensure the rule of law. In addition, an atmosphere of peace and communal harmony is also a pre-requisite for rapid economic growth," Manmohan Singh said while inaugurating a two-day conference of state chief secretaries here.