'Terrorists intend to make inroads into cities'

New Delhi, Feb 16: Cautioning the country's police personnel about the terrorists' intentions of making inroads into big cities to operate clandestinely, union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today asked them to maintain ''high vigil''.

Terrorists were sneaking into big cities and operating clandestinely, he said after inspecting a parade on the occasion of the 60th Raising Day celebrations of the Delhi Police here.

His comments came after the National Security Advisor M K Narayanan's recent statement about the links of some ''fictitious'' companies listed on the Mumbai and Chennai stock markets with the terror groups, and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement that all ''precautionary measures'' were being taken in the regard.

The Home Minister also announced the Centre's plan to introduce an insurance cover for the police personnel, who worked under tremendous pressure and often dangerous conditions.

Though the government wanted to provide insurance cover to all citizens, the immediate priority went to uniformed personnel, he said, adding, ''We are trying to do that as the government is ready to provide all assistance to policemen.'' Earlier, six companies of various police units took part in an impressive parade.

Mr Patil also gave away medals to the police personnel for their gallantry, distinguished and meritorious services. Shahdara Police Station in East Delhi was adjudged best police station, PS Connaught Place was second and PS Chandni Chowk second runner up.

A tableau depicting Delhi Police as a progressive and forward looking force adopting modern technology in all sphere of its working, was also taken out on the occasion.

Delhi Police Commissioner K K Paul also addressed the gathering.

Other prominent among those present on the occasion were Minister for Home Manak Rao Gavit, Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit, MP Jagdish Tytler, Disaster Management Cell Director M A Singh, Intelligence Bureau Director P S Haldar, Delhi Chief Secretary R Narayanaswamy, heads of various central police organisation and retired senior police officers.

UNI

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