Government to monitor activities of religious organisations

New Delhi, Apr 12 (UNI)Amid reports of external fund flow to terrorists, the Centre and states today decided to step up intelligence gathering and closely monitor activities of religious organisations as also other extra-territorial organisations posing threats to internal security and communal harmony.

A Conference of Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police on Internal Security and Law and Order unanimously decided to strengthen physical security of vital installations, symbols of national importance and important religious places and make regular review.

Against the backdrop of the recent blasts in the temple town of Varanasi in which 20 people were killed, the meeting felt the need for strengthening micro-level intelligence so that simmering issues are not allowed to escalate, especially in the case of communal incidents.

"The aim is that if you have that kind of intelligence, a little misunderstanding can be prevented from becoming a major issue," Home Secretary V K Duggal told mediapersons while briefing on the deliberations of the six-hour-long meeting inaugurated by Home Minister Shivraj Patil.

He said micro-level intelligence would also help in tackling naxal menace as also divisive forces.

In this context, Mr Duggal said externally sponsored terrorist outfits were involved in at least six recent violent incidents, including blasts in Delhi, Bangalore and Varanasi. The external outfits were disturbing peace by taking local help of some fringe elements.

More UNI SH/AJ VC1912