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Journalism of Courage
With intelligence reports indicating growing infiltration of extremist and terrorist agencies from the sea, the governments of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Kerala and Lakshadweep have decided to strengthen coastal security.
At the Zonal Council Conference of the four states and the Union Territory here on Monday, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil said the Centre had allocated Rs 550 crore for coastal security. Of this, almost 70 per cent would be spent on speedboats for the state police forces.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy said that some of the important subjects discussed at the conference were law and order, with reference to Maoist activities. Mega-city policing was also on the agenda today, he added.
Patil said the states had together a 14,000 km-long border and a 17,000 km coastline. “Smuggling and infiltration are carried out across the borders,” he said. Even though the Coast Guard and navy guard the coast, they face a problem when a suspect reaches the land. “The Coast Guard and navy do not have the jurisdiction to pursue suspects on land,” he said. Patil disclosed there are plans to set up 60-70 marine police stations on beaches. Personnel trained in marine operations would be deployed at these stations he said.
The Union minister also said that states had been asked to appoint committees to work out strategies for mega-city policing and that these strategies would be implemented by the Centre.
