December 10, 2008
The recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai have exposed the vulnerability of the country’s coastal region to such attacks. Mangalore being a coastal region with its underworld links and proximity to Mumbai is certainly susceptible to Mumbai-like attacks. The developments of the recent past establishing the involvement of locals and their links with the terrorist outfits have traumatized people to a great extent. The city is agog with rumours of all sorts keeping people on their tenterhooks.
In a free-wheeling chat with Daijiworld's Florine Roche IGP (Western Range) A M Prasad delineates the preparedness of the police force to deal with the risk posed to this part of the region.
Is the coastal city of Mangalore vulnerable to terrorist attacks?
Being a coastal region with a good network of connectivity, Mangalore is no doubt vulnerable to attacks. It has the Kaiga Nuclear Plant, has many religious places of importance and houses offices of some IT giants. But the police are making every effort to neutralize such attacks.
What are the measures undertaken to face such an eventuality?
We have initiated joint patrolling with the Customs Department to patrol in the shallow waters. The Customs Department has given us 2 boats and Coastal Security Police Force (CSPF) is going to patrol the area. The Coast Guard and the other security agencies will guard the deep waters about 4 to 5 nautical miles from the coast. We are also undertaking aerial survey in these areas. Minor ports such as Bunder, Malpe, Kundapur, Ganguli, Bhatkal, Kumta and Karwar are guarded by police personnel from the local police stations to watch unauthorized movements of vessels and men.
What are the long terms measures undertaken to safeguard the coastal region?
The Ports and Fisheries department has been instructed to issue identity cards to all the fishermen who go out in the sea. It will be done by December 2008. About 25,000 fishermen have to be issued the identity cards and so far only 3000 cards have been issued.
What steps are initiated to counter terrorism per se?
We have a long coastline and this region is a part of terrorists’ network. I agree there are some lacunae particularly with regard to the preparedness in dealing with terrorism. We are taking all precautions by setting up an Anti Terrorist Cell (ATC) and Quick Reaction Team (QRT) who will be trained in sharp shooting and other necessary skills. They will be reserve police to be used only when required. These sharp shooters will be drawn from local police and Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP). Coastal policing will also be strengthened and through ATC we will give importance to improve intelligence gathering.
Is the police force properly equipped to face such a challenge?
We will provide the QRT with AK-47 rifles and they will be trained by KSRP. They will also be provided with bullet proof jackets and other equipments so as to make them a formidable force to offset set terror attacks.
Do you have sufficient police force to meet the new challenges?
As of now there is one police for every 150 people who will be brought down to 100 and we are working on that count. The police in this region have been constantly facing challenges such as underworld nexus, terrorism, naxal menace, communal disturbance etc. There is no doubt the job pressure has increased but we are prepared to face any challenge efficiently.
CSPF is said to be facing staff shortage…..
CSPF has been functioning for the past 4 years with five police station limits of Mangalore, Malpe, Bhatkal, Karkal and Kumta. 4 police stations are occupied. There is a 50% shortage of sanctioned strength of staff in CSPF but the local police will assist them. We have ordered speed boats for CSPF which are expected to come by May 2009. Once these boats are arrived coastal patrolling will be better and foolproof.
Any measures to strengthen security in hotels, malls, markets and public places….?
We want to help and sanitize the security arrangement in hotels. We will soon be holding a meeting of hoteliers and apprise them about the need to inform the police if they suspect anything amiss or suspicious among its customers. We have also requested the mall authorities to install Access Control Door Frame Metal Detectors and also conduct physical search of people on entry points.
What role can the public play in preventing any acts of terror?
People’s co-operation is a must to effectively face any challenges posed by the forces inimical to the security of the region. The perception of the general public has to improve and they have to report anything strange or suspicious to anyone in the police hierarchy. The police will ensure confidentiality of their identity.
After the death of top police officials in Mumbai attacks how are you going to keep the morale of the police force and that of the general public high?
A good catch and good detection can build up the morale of the police force and also create confidence among the police force. We had good success in countering terrorism, naxal problem and underworld activities. But we are not complacent with that success and the police force is aware of its responsibility of providing security to the people.
People can dial 100 or contact police control room on telephone number 2220500, which are operational 24 hours.
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