Patil cautions NSG terrorists may use chemical, biological weapons

Manesar, Gurgaon, Oct 16 (UNI) Home Minister Shivraj Patil today cautioned that terrorists may use more sophisticated chemical and biological weapons in future and asked security forces to be prepared to meet such eventualities.

Speaking at the 22nd Raising Day celebrations of the National Security Guard here, Mr Patil said that terrorism could not be fought only by weapons but by strengthening the security forces by giving them proper training and necessary facilities so that they are both physically and mentally comfortable. He said that the government was considering an insurance policy for para-military force personnel.

Pointing out that terrorism was growing due to easy availability of weapons to militants who are misguiding youth, he said that the government would not leave any stone unturned to curb terrorism.

Mr Patil said terrorists were now a days using more sophisticated weapons like grenades and land mines in contrast to earlier when they were dependent on rifles only. In future they may further go and use chemical and biological weapons, he said and addd that the government would give full support to para-military forces to deal with them.

He also stressed the need for developing and strengthening local bodies by the states to deal effectively with the incidents of terrorism both at the preemption and operational level. He asked all states to set up Special Task Forces with trained personnel and state of the art weapons/ equipment to effectively neutralise terrorist activities. He also called for public support to fight terrorism on the ideological and social plane.

He said NSG has been rendering significant services to the nation as an elite Quick Reaction Strike Force with high level of performance, spirit of never giving up and cent persent operational success in both neutralising terrorist attacks and counter hijack operations along with the security of high risk VIPs with precision.

Professional efficiency and technical know how of NSG in handling of IED situations could be better utilised in the left wing extremism affected states, the Minister said.

On this occasion, NSG commandos displayed their operational skills in tackling terror attacks and anti-hijacking operaton. The Home Minister also released a journal 'The Black Cats' on this occasion.

UNI AJ SK GC1820