Today, the tragic Mumbai terror attack, which killed 164 people and wounded 308, turns exactly three years old. When it comes to security, the denizens of the bustling metropolis expect the government and agencies to do much more. Maharashtra minister of state for home Satej Patil, in an interview with Sanjay Jog, explains the administration’s strategy.
Mumbai continues to face terror threat. How prepared is the government to tackle it?
Mumbai’s geographic location is quite unique. The railway services are spread across the city and suburbs, while the airport is in the midst of the city. Then, it is surrounded by the Arabian sea. It is not the case in other global cities. Population is a challenge. On top of it, we have to monitor the movement of people. In cities like London and New York, authorities oversee the movement of 80 to 90 per cent people. Whatever, our government is committed to do all possible things to upgrade security to face any challenge. Security is of paramount importance.
Has the government implemented those slew of recommendations the Ram Pradhan committee made after it was set up after 26/11?
We’ve implemented a majority of the recommendations with regard to modernisation of the police force, recruitment of security personnel and strengthening of the intelligence wing. We recruited 55,000 police personnel at one go in Mumbai -- a first in the history of India. Modern boats for beefing up the coastal security have already been deployed with the appointment of necessary staff. The process for massive installation of CCTVs has begun; we expect to complete it by end-2013 or early 2014.
Most importantly, the Force I, which was formed on the lines of the National Security Guard, is now operational. Also, we have the Elite force and Quick Response Team to tackle terror strikes. We’ve started procuring bullet-proof jackets from the central government.
Mumbaikars are angry over stay of (26/11 accused) Ajmal Kasab in full security in a city jail. Also they are annoyed over the expenses incurred by the government on him.
I can understand their feelings. Kasab is one of the 10 accused who the only one the police arrested live on 26/11. Till the legal process is complete, the government will have to keep him in full security. We are doing everything for Kasab’s conviction.
There is a general impression that the red tape is delaying the police’s procurement of modern gadgets. What is its present status?
The situation is quite better now. A high-power committee led by the chief secretary has been delegated full powers for the purchase of these gadgets. There is no question of filings flowing between various departments. The panel meets every week; it can take decisions.
What initiatives are being taken to build confidence among Mumbaikars and increase their rapport with the security agencies?
See, communication is the best solution. We are upgrading our control room so that the present response time of 10 to 15 minutes can be brought down to the minimum possible level. In the UK or America, for example, the response from the control room is quite quick when there is information about an incident such as a bomb explosion or terror attack. We are paying more attention on improvement of police-public relationship so that all communities feel they secure and are taken into confidence.