The Hindu : National : Kolkata police simulate terror attacks

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Kolkata police simulate terror attacks

Special Correspondent

Kolkata: On its toes since the Mumbai terror attacks, the Kolkata police has started simulating terror attacks and holding mock-drills as part of its efforts to check its preparedness, Commissioner Gautam Mohun Chakraborty said here on Saturday.

“The threat is genuine and serious and we are facing a difficult situation,” he said, adding “that while there was no input to suggest that Kolkata was the next target, the city must be on the terrorists’ radar just like any other.” As such, it was important to upgrade skills and be ready to control any damage that may arise out of such a situation. “We are trying to make the city a hard target,” he said. Security and intelligence gathering was being stepped up to protect schools, metro stations, malls and other strategic places where close circuit televisions were being installed. Public alertness was crucial, he said Mr. Chakraborty said that as part of building an emergency response force, a “detachment of the NSG” is to be sent to the city and the size may be expanded later. The city police was also trying to develop its own combat battalion to fight urban terrorism and the proposal has been sent to the State government.

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