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ASSOCHAM moots tighter security

NEW DELHI: In the wake of the recent Mumbai terror attacks, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has suggested enhancing of inter-State security co-ordination and stepping up of security at archaeological sites, religious places and major real estate installations.

Emphasising the need for better co-ordination among the police chiefs of various States, ASSOCHAM Secretary-General D. S. Rawat said here that the State governments were focused more on ensuring security within their geographical boundaries and there was hardly any interaction and interface among police officers of different States on security matters.

“The Directors-General of Police of various States should meet at least twice a month to share information and thereafter create a security alert to prevent attacks. It is the only way to strengthen intra-border security,” added Mr. Rawat.

He also emphasised the need for regular region-wise security review meetings to keep track of anti-national elements as in the past terror attacks have often been planned in one State and executed in the other. Drawing attention towards the security of archaeological and heritage sites, Mr. Rawat said a few of the renowned archaeological sites had a “semblance” of security and the rest were vulnerable to terror attacks. “It is high time the Central Government in consultation with the Archaeological Survey of India takes precautionary measures and issues a security alert to prevent any possible terror attack,” said Mr. Rawat.

“About one-fifth of the tourist revenue generated in the country comes from religious sites of different communities, but these places have virtually no security arrangements. If religious tourism has to grow, security at these places must be tightened. It cannot be entrusted to a single agency or the State government alone. It is a collective responsibility and the Centre should come forward to ensure safety of these places.”

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