Home Minister reviews security in Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 19 (UNI) Home Minister Shivraj Patil today held a high-level meeting to review the measures being taken to beef up security apparatus in Delhi following the serial blasts and even while an encounter with militants was going on.

The meeting at the residence of Mr Patil was attended, among others, by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Tajinder Khanna, Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta, Police Commissioner Y S Dadhwal, Special Secretary (Internal Security) M L Kumawat and Director, Intelligence Bureau P C Haldar.

The meeting, in particular, discussed how the steps announced yesterday can be implemented effectively and in a time-bound manner in close co-ordination with all concerned.

The meeting also discussed ways to obtain maximum cooperation from various groups. It was decided to use the services of Ex-serviceman etc. until regular vacancies in police can be filled up.

Meanwhile, the Home Ministry yesterday issued an advisory to Orissa and Karnataka in the wake of recent violent incidents advising them to take all possible steps to prevent recurrence of such incidents and to provide protection to members of all communities, their properties and institutions, and to restore a sense of security and confidence among them.

In this context, it was advised that strict action be taken against the elements indulging in violence, vandalism, etc., and to bring them to justice in a swift and effective manner. The State Government has also been advised to take necessary preventive measures including apprehension of anti-social elements and checking any other activities which may lead to further untoward incidents and violence.

The two states have been asked to keep Home Ministry apprised of the developments and the measures taken by the State government.

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