Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi while addressing the conference on Internal Security held here said that the unfortunate incidents of terrorism that happened in different parts of the country last year have brought to the fore the need to have a comprehensive internal security policy and to take up modernization of police force on war footing basis. In last five months period Gujarat has nabbed drug and fake currency suppliers having links with Pakistan and Bangladesh. Lakhs of Rupees worth fake currency has been recovered which indicates network across the country. Now time has come to take effective stands on few policy decision like that of strengthening our response system, intelligence system and more important stand on our policy for arming our police forces with sound legal back up to face the challenges.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had chaired the conference which was called by the Ministry of Home Affairs. In the morning, PM and Union Home Minister also discussed some important issues on Internal Security with Chief Ministers over breakfast meeting at his residence.

Referring the proposed Gujarat Control of Organized Crime Act (GUJCOC), Shri Modi said that stringent laws have been enacted globally to deal with terrorism. Even so called liberal democracies and proclaimed upholders of human rights like USA, Canada, Australia etc. have enacted laws having more stringent provisions than proposed GUJCOC Act. He emphasized the fact that the present Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act is toothless. He requested Union Government to keep aside any political stand and get the GUJCOC approved at the earliest. Your browser may not support display of this image.

He mentioned about new initiative to strengthen Police force. The State Government has recruited 8400 “Lok Rakshak” to work as police constables over last three years. Very shortly, Gujarat will be recruiting another 8600 constables, 1300 Police Sub Inspectors, 44 Intelligence Officers and 6200 armed constables for State Reserve Police(SRP).

He emphasized on establishment of regional training centre for the Intelligence cadre in the state. Government India should consider setting up of ‘Coastal Security Authority’ to deal coastal security effectively. He drew attention to the pending border fencing work and the early construction of Godhuli-Santalpur border road. The problem of patrolling in the shallow waters of Jakhau-Medi areas in the Kutch coast persists as appropriate equipments not provided to security agencies. The Vessel Traffic Monitoring System(VTMS) has nor been operationalised till date which need urgent attention.

He was concerned about delay in providing speed boats and urged the Union government to enter in to agreement with manufacturer of the boats for O&M contract. Also he urged the central government to approve entire coastal security plan of Rs.392 crores.

He made one important suggestion to train fisherman youths below 35 years of age on the line of ‘Territorial Army’ during monsoon.

Emphasizing for implementation of a comprehensive action plan to deal with Naxalite menace in the affected areas, he said that a careful analysis of information is also required to comprehend as to which new areas are being targeted. The non affected states are often being used by Naxalites for logistic support, medical care, printing pamphlets and raising finances. Government of India should take initiative to create Core Team of specialized personnel with specific core competence to analyse the situation, he suggested.

Discussing on Internal Security and Response mechanism, Shri Modi appraised that in Gujarat, each district has one designated quick response team. The State Government has also undertaken to strengthen capacity of ATS (Anti Terrorist Squad) and SOG (Special Operation Groups) working in all districts of responding to emergent situations and intelligence gathering. Chetak Commandos have been raised and further strengthening process been taken up.

He further added that Gujarat has raised a small group of Mahila commandos who have competed their training recently. He also mentioned that two more companies of armed police for units (Marine Commandos) with specialization on marine base activities to counter terrorism emanating from across the coast .

Your browser may not support display of this image. Shri Modi also mentioned about setting up a “Raksha Shakti University”, which will impart courses of police administration and criminal justice system to prepare potential personnel for police, paramilitary, armed forces and for the private security agencies. Forensic Science University has also established in Gujarat and it is first university of its kind in the world to provide courses on criminology, psychology, brain mapping etc. This will create a pool of trained manpower in the country.

He urged the GOI to approve Rs.691 crores under NEGP scheme to Gujarat for implementation of ICTs.

Gujarat Home Minister Shri Amitbhai Shah and other senior officers from Gujarat Government attended the conference.