AP to form special 'anti-terror force'

Hyderabad, Nov 29 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet today decided to form a special ''anti-terror'' force on the lines of the elite National Security Guards (NSG) to repulse attacks like the Mumbai terrorist strikes, which left at least 195 people dead.

The cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, took note of the fact that the terrorists had come by boat to Mumbai, and decided to constitute a Marine Security Force to guard the vast coastline, official sources said.

The Chief Minister reviewed the security situation with his cabinet colleagues and directed the Chief Secretary to hold a meeting with the Home Secretary and police officials and come out with a comprehensive action plan by December 1 to repulse any Mumbai-like attack by ultras, they said.

Dr Reddy stressed the need for extending the training being provided for NSG personnel to the State Greyhounds police, familiar with guerilla warfare, and also to the personnel of ''OCTOPUS'' (Organisation to Counter Terrorist Operations).

While vehemently condemning the terrorist attacks, the cabinet hailed the security forces, including the Marine Commandos and the NSG personnel, for foiling the ultras' plot.

The cabinet observed two-minute silence to pay their last respects for security and police personnel, who sacrificed their lives during the anti-terror operations, and also for innocent civilians killed by the ultras.

UNI SM VA LPB NS1633