The Hindu : New Delhi News : “Strengthen security to tackle terrorism”

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007
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New Delhi

New Delhi

“Strengthen security to tackle terrorism”

Devesh K. Pandey

Some States lagging behind because of lack of funds, says Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil

Centre plans to expand forces such as BSF, ITBP, CRPF, SSB, etc.
Civilian population should help security forces: Minister

MANESAR (HARYANA): Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Tuesday stressed the need to strengthen and expand the police and paramilitary forces to counter new-age crimes such as terrorism.

Speaking at the 23rd Raising Day of the National Security Guards (NSG) here, Mr. Patil said the forces had to be imparted a new kind of training and equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry to prepare them better.

“The governments in some of the States are doing well in this regard, but some States are lagging behind because of lack of funds. At the Central level, we are planning to expand the forces like the Border Security Force, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, the Sashatra Seema Bal (SSB), Assam Rifles, the Central Reserve Police Force, the Central Industrial Security Force and, of course, the NSG,” he said.

Mr. Patil said the forces should be expanded keeping in view the increasing population and crime. He said the Central government had taken several steps to strengthen the forces, especially the SSB and the ITBP.

Though the forces were being trained and equipped with requisite weapons, the civilian population should also come forward to help them. “A large number of people have now become conscious of their responsibilities and are assisting the police and the forces,” he said, adding that the media should highlight the achievements of the forces to encourage them.

Chief Ministers’ meet

Later, during an interaction with the media, the Home Minister said a meeting of all Chief Ministers would be organised soon to discuss a proposal to set up a federal organisation that would be empowered to investigate cases (including those pertaining to terrorist activities) involving more than one State.

Lauding the contributions made by the NSG in providing security to VIPs and important events across the country, Mr. Patil said its role would become more vital in the coming years.

Earlier, NSG commandos conducted a mock rescue operation inside a Metro rail targeted by terrorists. They also demonstrated their sharp-shooting skills and carried out other drills.

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