Agencies
New Delhi, Sep 18: Under a scathing attack from the Opposition for its 'inept' handling of the internal security situation in the Capital, the Union Government has sanctioned 6,712 additional posts and 130 vehicles for Delhi Police.
The government has announced several measures to strengthen intelligence machinery including creation of a wing to analyse new modus operandi being adopted by terrorists.
At the same time, it has categorically ruled out any move to bring in a POTA-like anti-terror law.
"No, No, No. It is a draconian (law) and against human rights. If the present anti-terror laws are implemented properly, there is no requirement for additional laws," Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi said.
"What do you mean by tougher anti-terror laws? Some of our laws are much more strong than those in the US and UK," he shot back when asked whether the government was planning to bring in an anti-terror law similar to POTA.
Dasmunsi and Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta faced a volley of questions on Wednesday night’s special cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to discuss the security situation in the wake of serial blasts in Delhi on Saturday.
Asked whether any issue relating to Home Minister Shivraj Patil, who has been criticised over his handling of internal security, came up for discussion, he said "nothing of that sort."
Among the proposals cleared by the Union Cabinet in the aftermath of serial blasts were creation of a Research and Technology wing in Intelligence Bureau, sanctioning additional manpower to IB and Delhi Police, metro policing and installation of modern gadgets like CCTV and metal detectors in busy market places.
The demand for raising the strength of Delhi Police has been pending since 1991 despite a sharp increase in the terror threat to the Capital and a spate of deadly attacks in the recent past.
The Parliament attack, Red Fort attack, Diwali-eve blasts in Sarojini Nagar and several blasts organized by the Abdul Karim Tunda gang have reinforced the need to have more cops on the streets.