Be vigilant & alert when out for shopping this festival: says Home Minister

Oct 04: Speaking at the annual conference of Director General of Police and Inspector General of Police Home Minister Shivraj Patil himself warned against terrorist attacks in the festival seasons at the crowded places. Recent attacks by terrorists reveal this strategy of them that they are targeting the common man creating fear among masses.

Mr. Patil dwelt on different concerns in the maintenance of internal security of the country such as low police-population ratio, use of updated technology by the terrorists, ineffective use of intelligence by the police and security forces, lack of coordination between state units and central agencies.

Home minister said that terrorists can target religious places, other crowded places, political leaders, and police personnel and to deal with them effectively we need to make good use of intelligence. He said intelligence is the only weapon which can work effectively to combat and contain terrorism and violence. He laid stress on the development of effective counter strategy, a combination of intelligence and modern technology.

In the intelligent use of the available information he carved out a role for states too. He said that special branches of the state police should be strengthened as presently they are not capable to meet the demands of the present and state should also fill vacancies in the police cadre and modernise their police force in view of the use of modern technology by the terrorists in their attacks. The information gap at the local level should also be filled by the states.

He said that to halt their aim new methods, techniques, approach and training is required. Police should also avail new ideas, equipment and technology to stop them. He also reflected on the importance of internal security in view of the economic development as bad security arrangements can prove a hurdle in the flow of investment in the country. Development needs security and security needs development said the home minister.

Co-ordination between the state and central units is another important factor in dealing with them. He also stressed the cooperation of civil defence units, private agencies for protection and security.

Home minister highlighted the role of media too in the maintenance of peace and public order and asked the police officers to provide information to media in brief and in written if necessary.