82 coastal police stations to be set up: Antony

Kozhikode, Nov 12 (UNI) Defence Minister A K Antony today said 82 coastal police stations will be set up in various parts of the country to protect the nation's vast coastal lines.

Talking to newspersons here, Mr Antony said initially the fund for the purpose would be provided by the Union Government. Besides, personnel selected for the force would be imparted training by the Central forces.

The coastal areas in the country were gaining importance in view of the growing maritime trade, the Minister said, adding that special attention would be given to the sector.

On the Sachar Committee report on minorities, Mr Antony said the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government at the Centre had issued instructions to the State Government to implement the recommendations.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson and Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi have issued separate directives to the administrations and party organisations about implementing the recommendations, he said.

Stating that a vast section of the people, especially those living in rural areas, were still a neglected lot, Mr Antony said the media should take a lead role in highlighting their problems.

On the overtures made by senior Congress leader K Karunakaran to return to the Congress fold, he said a decision on the issue would be taken by the party high command.

UNI