Centre should revamp its security policy: Laxman

Hyderabad, Nov 30 (UNI) Opining that resignation of Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and replacing him with Finance Minister P Chidambaram would not in any way improve the security situation facing the country, former BJP former National president B Laxman today called for a complete shift in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government's security policy.

The BJP leader, in a statement here, stressed the need for creation of a counter-intelligence department, separate force to fight terrorists, revamping of the intelligence department, border sealing and stepping up the patrolling on international borders.

''Replacing Mr Patil with Mr Chidambaram will only see a different rider on the same horse'', he added.

Mr Laxman, however, welcomed Mr Patil's resignation, keeping in view the people's anguish over the growing terrorist activities and the UPA Government's failure to control the menace.

Alleging that the Centre's weak policies and its softness in handling terrorism was responsible for the deaths of several innocent people, the BJP leader demanded revivial of Prevention of Terrorism Act(POTA). The repeal of POTA had emboldened the ultras to indulge in terror activists, he added.

Mr Laxman said ''It is high time the UPA Government stop appeasing minorities and indulging in vote bank politics. The nation's interest should be placed above all petty politics.'' The BJP leader said during the National Democratic Alliance(NDA) regime, attack on Akshardham, Red Fort and Parliament were witnessed. But those involved were eliminated and those, who survived, were duly punished by courts after fair trials, he recalled, adding that on the other hand, not even a single incident of apprehension of terrorists involved in heinous crimes in various parts of the country was seen.

Condoling the deaths of innocent citizens and foreign nationals, who died in the Mumbai terror strikes, Mr Laxman lauded the Armed Forces, Commandos and other forces, who bravely fought the terrorists.

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