Taking a dig at the UPA-led central government for the controversies between the army and the government, Gujarat chief minister, Narendra Modi demanded proactive measures from the Centre to 'clear the fog of mistrust and suspicion' over the country's defence preparedness.
"Any lacunae in our defence capabilities on account of resources constraints, demoralization of the rank and file and tensions between the civil and military wings is bound to have an adverse impact on the internal security of the Nation. It is unfortunate that the present Union Government has failed to instill faith and confidence about our defence preparedness in the common man," Modi stated at the Conference of chief ministers on internal security held in New Delhi on Monday.
He maintained that the armed forces play an important role in the anti-infiltration, anti insurgency measures, which directly impinges on the internal security of the Nation.
Urging the Central government, Modi demanded proactive steps to clear the fog of mistrust and suspicion that has arisen on account of the recent unseemly controversy and not remain content with mere issuance of statements.
Modi also raised objection over the 'non-consultative approach' of the union government for 'unilaterally' designing and executing the security superstructure of the country.
Modi alleged Centre for ignoring suggestions from the state chief ministers on crucial matters of internal and external security including NCTC imbroglio, recent amendments to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) Act and BSF Act. This created a wide rift of 'mistrust and suspicion' between the Centre and the States, he said.
Recently, Modi had written a letter to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh opposing the proposed amendments to the Border Security Force Act, 1968 giving sweeping powers to BSF. He termed it yet 'another instance of the Union Government’s attempts to trample the federal structure of the country.'
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He expressed concern over the fact that internal security is too serious a matter to be treated as an arena for 'one-upmanship' and state governments must be seen as partners in upholding the security of the Nation.
Commenting on the terror threats and country's preparedness, Modi suggested to fully harness the latest technologies to equip and establish a network of inter-connected border check posts and control rooms and upgrade public spaces like railway stations and bus stations on par with the security benchmarks prescribed for airports.
Meanwhile, Modi also sought creation of a dedicated force to exploit the hydro-carbon reserves in the Sir Creek area in the Arabian Sea and spaces along the border regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. He further asked the Union Government to harness solar energy pool in the border regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan for sustainable clean energy and Gujarat government will extend the required support and cooperation.