Goa Governor highlights importance of coastal security

PANAJI: Goa Governor Mridula Sinha has said that coastal security has emerged as a critical area of concern in the overall security of the nation and that it should receive deep concern and attention. Sinha said that India has a long coast line of about 7,500 km which needs to be vigilantly guarded from any intrusion and attacks on the vital installations on the shore.
The Governor was speaking as chief guest at the function of commissioning of ships Amartya and Amal and C-410, for Indian Coast Guard at a function held today at Goa's Mormugao Port Trust. The function was organized by The Indian Coast Guard.
Sinha asserted that the Coast Guard is actively engaged in providing round the clock security in our vast exclusive economic zone. Their role in undertaking various missions such as search and rescue, anti-poaching operations, rendering assistance to mariners and fishermen in distress, medical evacuation and marine environment protection has been remarkable and well recognized amongst the international and national maritime fraternity.
The Governor also said that apart from Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard shoulders a heavy responsibility in this regard. We should have technologically advanced logistics and well-trained and ever-vigilant manpower to protect our coastal areas. She said we cannot at any cost allow and tolerate incidents like the Mumbai terrorist attack. She appealed to the Indian Coast Guard to discharge their duties and responsibilities in the best interest of national security and unity.
Inspector General, S P S Basra, Commander Coast Guard Region (West) in his welcome address said that maritime security scenario around us demands manifold increase in surveillance for safety of our maritime assets. India by its unique position in the globe is also bestowed with various threats and thus there is a necessity to strengthen our security mechanism in general and maritime security in particular.