Areas in state facing terror threat can be special security zones soon

MUMBAI: Areas in Maharashtra facing threats of terror, organised crime or insurgency could soon be declared special security zones (SSZ) that will have high police

MUMBAI: Areas in Maharashtra facing threats of terror, organised crime or insurgency could soon be declared special security zones (SSZ) that will have high police control and rules that may include a ban on chemical substances and electronic devices.

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Eight years after Mumbai was rocked by one of the country’s worst terror attacks and with threats rising across the globe, the state government’s home department on Friday issued a draft for the Maharashtra Protection of Internal Security Act, 2016, which will pave the way for putting in place policy changes to tackle terrorism, insurgency, communal and caste violence.

The act will let the state’s police, for the first time, to identify and prepare crisis management plans for critical infrastructure such as communication, transport, water supply, nuclear reactors and defence.

The draft has been in the offing since last year, but has only now been finalised and put in the public domain for suggestions. It will be tabled in the winter session of the state legislature.

Areas identified as SSZs will hold that status for two years at a time, after the state ratifies the notification. In these areas, the state can create a separate police command and response system and give directives for how the administration will function.

The new law also plans special courts to try the accused booked under it. All offences under the law will be non-bailable, and those accused of damaging public buildings or transport with an intent to affect the daily lives of people will face a maximum of a life term.

An internal security committee headed by the home minister will draft all guidelines and keep an eye incoming intelligence inputs and marshal resources to tackle security challenges.

The state police chief will be tasked with preparing an internal security scheme for the state and specific schemes to cover problem areas in every district and will list the role of the police in ensuring important installations and public systems are secure. Another internal security unit, headed by a commissioner of intelligence, will be set up at the state level to oversee security arrangements and plans.

Command rooms and emergency response systems for some areas will be set up under the law.

The law makes security audit of public buildings and government premises mandatory through the Maharashtra State Security Corporation, and video footage of month from CCTV cameras need to be stored.

As part of the coastal security measures, the bill talks of undertaking vulnerability assessment of vessels and facilities that can be involved in a transportation security incident.

“The draft law has gone through various levels of discussion within the state government. It aims at plugging loopholes in our internal security preparedness and making resources available to ensure we can tackle newage terror and insurgency,” said a senior state government official.