AP govt to strengthen SPF, SIB, Counter Intelligence

Hyderabad, July 18 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh government today decided to strengthen Special Protection Force (SPF), State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) and Counter Intelligence to curb militant activities in the state.

Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today reviewed the law and order situation in the state with Home Minister K Jana Reddy, Director General of Police Swaranjit Sen and other senior police officials.

Speaking to reporters here after the meeting the Home Minister said, ''to maintain law and order more effectively in the state the government has decided to increase the strength of police in important agencies''.

In the first phase, 2000 personnel would be added in SPF, 100 in SIB and 100 in Counter Intelligence, he added.

Asked about any Hyderabad link in the recent Mumbai serial blasts, he said it was confirmed that the Mumbai blasts were in no way related to Hyderabad.

The Home Minister said that the state also condemned the Chattisgarh naxal attack. The state government is taking all steps to curb the activities of militant groups.

Referring to Krushi Bank scam, Mr Reddy said the police were investigating into the scam and other banks, which cheated the gullible people of the state.

The review meeting was also attended by DGP (law and order) P V Naidu, Intelligence Additional DG Arvind Rao, Hyderabad Police Commissioner A K Mohanty and Cyberabad Police Commissioner Mahender Reddy.

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