US homeland security secretary pays tribute to 26/11 victims

An American delegation led by their homeland security secretary paid homage to martyrs and victims of the 26/11 terrorist attacks at the police memorial at Marine Drive on Tuesday.

:An American delegation led by their homeland security secretary paid homage to martyrs and victims of the 26/11 terrorist attacks at the police memorial at Marine Drive on Tuesday.

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US homeland security secretary Janet Napolitano, who was accompanied by a high-level delegation, visited and paid floral tributes to the victims and martyrs of the attacks.

After laying a wreath at the memorial, Napolitano observed a brief silence to express her solidarity with the victims.

Later at a meeting with chief minister Prithviraj Chavan and some senior police officers at the Sahyadri guesthouse, the delegation lauded the government for its efforts to enhance security of life and property in the state.

Considering the threats of terror attacks and changing international scenario, Chavan stressed on the need for support and cooperation of the US homeland security, including intelligence sharing and technological know-how, for enhancing security in Maharashtra.

“I have asked the US delegation to facilitate exchanging security-related information. The Americans have made tremendous progress in modern telecommunications, satellite telephony, special training [in combating terror] and security of strategic locations. We will try to use this [American] knowledge to enhance our own security programme,” said a statement issued by the chief minister after the meeting.

The CM also apprised Napolitano and the delegation on the various measures taken by the state government on security aspects after the terror attacks in November 2008.

Chavan informed her that the state government had set up an elite Force One on the lines of the National Security Guards and provided it with sophisticated weapons, wireless sets and fast vehicles.

He also spoke about the measures taken to improve the security for the state’s coastline.

State director general of police Ajit Parasnis, additional director general of police (law and order) Satyapal Singh, Mumbai police commissioner Arup Patnaik and additional director general of police (anti- terrorism squad ) Rakesh Maria were also present at the event.