Government readies for more attacks

new delhi: the government believes that a failed terror attack always provokes subsequent strikes by terrorist groups to boost the morale of its own people. since these strikes could be anywhere in the country, it is not taking any chances. letters have been shot off to all state governments to be on a state of preparedness, specially at important points such as airports, railway stations and high-security areas.the cabinet committee on security (ccs) that met on december 13, unanimously decided to arm the watch and ward guards in parliament. though the guards, who are beyond the jurisdiction of delhi police, have long been in-charge of security inside parliament, they have never been armed. the committee also proposed the presence of para-military forces such as the crpf and the cisf inside parliament. the suggestions have been forwarded to speaker balayogi and rajya sabha chairman najma heptullah, who are in-charge of parliament security and will take the final decision on the matter. apart from this, the government is looking at some short and long-term measures as future course of action regarding security in vip zones including parliament and beyond. some of the short-term measures include: increasing the number of hi-tech close circuit cameras inside parliament. there were only about a couple of them till now. the campus walls are to be made more ''invincible''. a plan to build a complete and secure complex including parliament, annexe, car parking area etc is to be reviewed. any one entering the parliament must wear the identity card. from now on, people inside cars will also be checked even if the car has a valid pass. more jamming machines are to be installed for greater security. the government is also considering banning mobile phones, handbags etc inside parliament. some of the long-term measures being considered have been in the offing for a while: since limited manpower is a problem for the delhi police — which is in-charge of vip security and general law and order in the capital — a proposal to increase the strength of the force is being considered in new light. home minister advani is in favour of raising the number of companies of para-military forces in the country. the government feels there is a need to develop a security culture among the populace. the government is planning a concrete anti-terrorism policy. intelligence information sharing between countries, which has already been going on, has been further activated. the government is also expecting reports in a couple of days from the us, the uk and israel on the new security measures taken after september 11. the proposal to acquire modern security equipment and devices from the us and israel, which was not being treated as priority because of financial constraints, is being considered again.