Govt firm on tackling terrorism, UP assembly assured

Lucknow, Feb 20 (UNI) The Uttar Pradesh government today assured the assembly that security has been tightened in the state following continuous terrorist threats and the recent terror strikes in some parts of the state.

'' We have constituted a special Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in the state and security has been given the top priority in the state budget, ''state parliamentary affairs minister Lalji Verma informed the House.

Replying to the debate on notices for admission of an adjournment motion moved by Congresss legislature party leader Pramod Tiwari and others, Mr Verma said the state police have already been put on alert following threat perception.

He also narrated in detail about action taken by the government to counter terrorism in the state.

Mr Tiwari, in his notice for an adjournment motion, demanded that a ' Jan Jagran Abihiyan (Peoples' Awareness programme) should be launched in the state to seeks mass support against the menace.

He added that there was serious terrorist threat in the state and strict step should be taken by the government to prevent any evil desire of the anti-national elements.

On another notice, the SP and BJP members raised the shortage of LPG cylinders in the state.

Mr Verma said that government has already issued directive to all districts to monitor the supply of LPG cylinder to the consumers and take strict action against the hoarders and blackmarketers.

The members alleged that the shortage of cooking gas cylinder has created severe law and order problem in different parts of the state.

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