The Centre has convened a conference of Chief Ministers for February 1 to discuss the internal security scenario amid rising concerns about the rise of right-wing Hindu terror groups, Maoist violence, and police reforms.
The meeting will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and could witness some fireworks in the shape of aggressive batting by the BJP-ruled State Chief Ministers, against the backdrop of the recent linking of right-wing terror groups with some wings of the Sangh Parivar.
The ongoing situation in Jammu and Kashmir — particularly in the context of the recent foiling of the BJP Yuva Morcha's attempt to hoist the national flag at Lal Chowk in Srinagar under the aegis of its ‘Ekta Yatra' — is likely to be touched upon.
The daylong conference is also likely to focus on the issue of strengthening intelligence-sharing mechanisms and coastal security.
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On their part, the Chief Ministers are expected to present their views on cross-border terrorism, infiltration from across the border, and the burgeoning Naxal threat, and give directions to the security forces dealing with these internal security issues.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi is expected to raise the matter of killing of Tamil fishermen allegedly by the Sri Lankan Army — a charge denied by Colombo — and seek corrective action from the Centre to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.
The activities of Pakistan-based terror groups, the ongoing ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir during the winter months and the northeast, and combating economic offences, especially fake Indian currency, are also likely to be taken up at the conference.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal is expected to provide an insight into the recent developments involving Tibetan spiritual leader Karmapa and the recovery of huge amounts of foreign currency from one of his close aides, Shakti Lama.
The conference will review action taken on issues prioritised during the last meeting held in August 2010, which covered wide-ranging areas of capacity building in the State police and police reforms.
Assessing the information collection system — both technical and human intelligence — its proper sharing and necessary follow-up action, procurement of arms and ammunition, and filling of vacancies, besides providing training to security forces, are also likely to be discussed.
