Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy on Tuesday mooted “a powerful, vibrant and dynamic organisation” to deal firmly with terrorism and state security.
The special anti-terror force will be constituted on the lines of Greyhounds, a specialised commando force formed by the government two decades ago to tackle the Maoist menace in the state.
The new organisation will work as a separate specialised wing and personnel will be recruited directly or by special deputation. The officials of the anti-terror wing will collect relevant information and act swiftly about terrorism and other security activities.
“This organisation can be on par or even beyond the standards of the Research and Analysis Wing and other top-class intelligence organisations,” said the chief minister.
Dr Reddy has asked the Police Department to constitute a committee immediately to study this proposal. The committee will come up with concrete proposals, which would be discussed at a meeting with the state chief secretary on Monday.
A final decision about the anti-terror force will be taken by the chief minister on Tuesday.
“This special team can be as big as the police want it to be and funds will never be a problem,” assured Dr Reddy.
The chief minister, who has been criticised by the opposition for failing to tackle terrorism, also reviewed the law and order situation in the state with senior police officials on Tuesday. The police top-brass briefed him about the progress made in the investigations of the twin bomb blasts on Saturday, which killed 43 people and injured many more.
“The state administration and the police have a duty to wake up and always be on their toes,” said Dr Reddy.
“The police have to maintain law and order. They have to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future. They also need to rebuild confidence among people, tourists and investors that Andhra Pradesh continues to be a happening state and Hyderabad continues to be a peaceful and expanding city,” he added.
By Syed Amin Jafri