State wants Centre to set norms to plug communication gap

Despite several security reforms and modernisation of the police force that have taken place in the state post-26/11 terror attacks, home minister RR Patil admitted that a communication gap still exists between different security agencies and needs to be plugged to ensure better co-ordination between them.

Despite several security reforms and modernisation of the police force that have taken place in the state post-26/11 terror attacks, home minister RR Patil admitted that a communication gap still exists between different security agencies and needs to be plugged to ensure better co-ordination between them.

The central task force on internal security chaired by former home secretary VK Duggal and formed by the central government to look into internal security met Patil, government and police officials on Thursday.

The sub-committee on internal security is presently touring different states and gathering inputs to strengthen the security mechanism across the country, following which it will compile and present them as a report to suggest necessary measures.

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“I have suggested that there is a need to draw up some coordination guidelines to plug communication gaps between different security and intelligence agencies. The railway police, Mumbai police, coast guard — all of them should be clear about their duties and jurisdiction,” he said.

He cited how the city police is often pulled up for lack of security at railway stations and trains, which is unfair. “If there is an increase in the population of those using the suburban train services, shouldn’t there also be an increase in the number of policemen manning them?” Patil questioned.

Patil added that apart from asking for better coordination between naxal-hit states, he also reiterated the demand for additional funds. “We have been given Rs300 crore for development of naxal-hit districts, but it is not enough,” he said.

Additional chief secretary UC Sarangi said that the state made presentations on different issues, ranging from naxal-hit areas, organised crime, social unrest and coastal security. “They are here to review the existing processes, procedures and practices in the security system and we have placed our views which will be incorporated,” he said.