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Modi writes to Manmohan for review of internal security

GANDHINAGAR: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to convene a meeting of all the Chief Ministers, particularly those of the border and coastal States sharing common borders with Pakistan, to review the internal security arrangements.

In a letter to Dr. Singh on Thursday, Mr. Modi pointed to the use by the terrorists of the sea route to land in Mumbai to launch the “war” on the economic capital of the country; it had exposed the country’s weak security arrangements on the sea.

Mr. Modi suggested a joint meeting of the Indian Navy, Coast Guards and others concerned with the Chief Ministers of the coastal and border States to draft an agenda for the national security with a strong political will and national resolve to fight the menace.

Without referring to the much disputed Gujarat draft bill to fight against organised crime (GUJCOC), Mr. Modi said strong laws to fight terrorism were needed as shown by various other democratic countries such as the United States. He also suggested giving special training to the police and armed forces and defining of right policies and training to the press, media and also the common people to be prepared for the increasing threat to the country from terrorists.

The State government declared a red alert all over Maharashtra in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Mr. Modi earlier convened a high-level meeting of the police, Home Department officials and others to review the security situation in the State and asked all concerned to remain in a state of constant vigil to meet any eventuality.

Mr. Modi also spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and offered full cooperation from Gujarat, including the use of Forensic Science Laboratory, for any investigation and use of the State machinery.

He also expressed his deep condolences and respect for the police and other officials killed in the action against terrorists and the victims of the general public in the unprecedented attack.

Mr. Modi refused to be dragged into any controversy and allegations and counter-allegations in this hour of crisis, but said Gujarat had given definite inputs to the Centre about the possible terror attack in Delhi and “another important city in the country” recently. The input was given on the basis the information received during interrogation of the accused arrested in connection with the Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts and wished the Centre had acted in time and decisively to ward off the terror attack in Mumbai.