Lalu calls for 'specific' info on terror plans

New Delhi, Nov 29: Observing that terrorism had assumed monstrous proportions, bringing under its sweep Railways and other transport systems across the globe, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad today called for a better coordination among intelligence agencies to combat the menace in a more effective manner.

''It is desirable that intelligence agencies provide specific information to Railways and other departments about any terror plan,'' Mr Prasad said, adding that mere vague information would not work.

The minister was making his inaugural speech at a two-day international seminar on ''Growing Challenges of Terrorism with special reference to the Railways,'' jointly organised by Indian Railways and the Paris-based UIC (International Union of Railways).

''In the latter half of the previous century, we had terrorist violence on the aviation sector. But, as the security systems came into place, the open transport systems, including the Railways, have become an easy target the world over,'' he said.

Mr Prasad said the game plan of the terrorists was to execute their evil designs where maximum people get affected and damage to life and property was colossal.

In this connection, he referred to recent explosions caused in Madrid, in the Metro rail of London and in the suburban train system in Mumbai as well as explosions at Varanasi and Guwahati stations.

''There is a need to take these incidents seriously because Railway is our lifeline and rail security is our utmost priority,'' Mr Prasad said, making a strong case for the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP) and other security agencies to gear up their machinery for preventing such incidents.

The minister also called upon the experts from all over the world, participating in the seminar, to develop sound technologies and strategies which can forewarn terrorist activities and allow Railways and other security agencies to prevent such incidents.

National Security Advisor M K Narayanan, Railway Board Chairman J P Batra, RPF Director General A K Suri and security experts from several countries are participating in the seminar.

UNI