Blasts learning experience, focus on probe: Home Secretary

New Delhi, Sep 14 (UNI) Notwithstanding serial blasts hitting major cities of the country at regular intervals, the Centre takes them as a ''learning experience.'' According to Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta, with every blast the government was gaining experience.

He said this to mediapersons after attending a high level review meeting called by the Home Minister Shivraj Patil following the serial blasts in Delhi.

''We have been observing that these things (blasts) are happening in cities across the country, in each incident you learn, gain experiences,'' he said.

The Centre would come out with a list of 'do's and don'ts to fill the gap and they would be shared with the states.

He said at present the focus was on investigations which should not be hampered in any way.

The review meeting discussed measures to be taken in Delhi and other cities and how these to be implemented in a time bound manner.

It was also decided to deliberate related matter at higher levels in the government.

Meanwhile, Home Ministry spokesman Onkar Kedia said investigation into the blasts were on. Central agencies alongwith state agencies were probing the matter.

Significantly, investigations in most of the serials blasts occurring in the past couple of years have remained inconclusive and those responsible have not yet been apprehended. Except Ahmedabad serial blasts case, the probe in blasts at Ajmer Sharif in Rajasthan, Mecca Masjid in Hyderbad, Sarojini Nagar in Delhi and in courts of Uttar Pradesh have not yet reached their final stage.

The Centre has been impressing upon the states to increase ground level security and intelligence and involve market associations and other groups in the process.

Efforts were also on to install CCTVs and other modern gadgets in large numbers at vulnerable points, Mr Kedia said.

The Centre was trying to find ways to enhance assistance for mega-city policing under the Police Modernisation Scheme, he added.

UNI AJ SK PM1800