Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithiviraj Chavan on Monday sought powers to requisition aircraft in case of emergency situations for its anti—terror “Force One” created in the aftermath of 26/11 attacks.
Speaking at the Chief Ministers Conference here, Mr. Chavan stressed on laying great emphasis on intelligence gathering mechanism, and also batted for creation of a National Counter Terrorism Centre.
For the smooth movement within the state of the ‘Force One’ - an anti—terror force created in the aftermath of terror strike of 2008 – Mr. Chavan said the Centre should consider delegating powers of requisition of aircraft in emergency situations.
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At present, the powers of requisition of aircraft is vested with the elite National Security Guards.
“The current security environment posses major challenges. Terrorism - a threat to national security - is changing its contours continuously,” Mr. Chavan said, advocating an intelligence—driven counter terrorism strategy.
He also informed said the state government has also set up the Maharashtra Guptavarta Vikas Prabhodini (intelligence academy) in Pune.
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Advocating the NCTC, the Chief Minister said it would be a significant step in strengthening the country’s counter—terrorism capability. “Terrorists do not respect territorial boundaries and response, therefore, has to be coordinated and effective,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) menace was targeting the state, and added it could not be fought without active coordination and cooperation of all states and the Centre.
“The launching pads for FICN distribution need to be plugged to deal a blow to this form of economic terror,” he said.