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Rajasthan steps to beef up internal security

JAIPUR: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday announced several measures in the 2009-10 Rajasthan Budget to strengthen internal security in the wake of the May 2008 bomb blasts in Jaipur and the October 2007 terror attack at the Ajmer dargah. He said the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) would be strengthened and its new unit established in Jodhpur.

“The pain of the Jaipur and Ajmer terror attacks is still felt by the people across Rajasthan. The State Government is taking concrete steps to prevent the recurrence of such incidents of terrorism,” said Mr. Gehlot while presenting the Budget in the Assembly.

Mr. Gehlot announced a budgetary provision of Rs.3.29 crore for strengthening the ATS in the State capital and setting up its new unit in Jodhpur. He said emergency response teams would also be appointed in the two cities at a cost of Rs.85 lakh.

An estimated Rs.2.50 crore will be spent on tightening security at places of religious significance during the current fiscal year. Mr. Gehlot said new branches of Special Operations Group (SOG) would be established at four divisional headquarters in the State and in Delhi. The community liaison groups would also be reconstituted , he added.

The Chief Minister announced establishment of an “India Reserve Battalion” to further strengthen internal security. The new force comprising 850 armed jawans will be set up at a cost of Rs.18 crore.

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