from Daijiworl's special correspondent

Panaji, Sep 20: Considering the possible terrorist threat to mega cities, the union home minister Shivraj Patil today asked the western states to prepare futuristic security plan for these mega-hubs, which would be partially funded by the union government.

Participating in the western zone council meeting along with Gujarat Chief minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, Goa chief minister Pratapsingh Rane, officers of Daman and Diu, Patil stretched out a helping hand to the western states in mending their security.

Union home minister Shivraj Patil is seen addressing the 20th western zonal council meeting held at Dona Paula in Goa . Also seen in the picture is the Goa chief minister Pratap Singh Rane (Pic Rajtilak Naik, Panaji)

“Mega cities need to be protected from being targeted by terrorists. Concern state governments can send the plan to the union government which will partially fund it,” Patil said briefing presspersons after three-and-half-hour meet at Donapaula, 5 kms away from here.

The union minister also said that stress should be laid on strengthening the coastal security in the western states. “Funds are allocated to the state governments to put up costal police stations and buy speed boats. We need to train people to operate on ground and sea. They would be provided with the amphibious vehicles which can run at Sea and land alike,” Patil said.

The minister said that the western council meeting today stressed on boosting the intelligence network. “Plans are there to have a special cadre for intelligence building,” Patil disclosed.

During the meeting today, Patil also asked the state governments to allot more funds for policing in their plans and budgets. “The Indian constitution provides that state governments can have the exclusive right and duty to maintain the law and order. In discharging the duty, they can ask for assistance from the union government, which is given immediately,” he said.

“Police force can be strengthened by raising new battalions, filling existing vacancies, giving them modern weapons, transport, communication and better training. Private security agencies and community policing can also be involved in maintaining internal security,” Patil said.