Antony asks security agencies to plug gaps in coastal security

New Delhi, Mar 31 (ANI): Union Defence Minister A. K. Antony on Tuesday asked all concerned agencies to plug gaps in coastal security within a definite time frame.

Antony, who chaired a high-level meeting of officials of various ministries and forces, called for speedy implementation of the maritime security plan, approved by the Government recently.

He said utmost vigilance must be maintained all along the coastline so that the 'Mumbai like' incidents don't recur.

Antony called for regular monitoring of all aspects so that there are no delays in implementation of the maritime security plan.

The meeting reviewed progress made in coastal security and coordinated arrangements for the security of offshore platforms of oil companies, vessel identification system, identity cards for fishermen, installation of coastal radars, joint control room for Navy and Coast Guard, intelligence sharing among all agencies and procurement of boats and aircraft.

The role of State Governments and setting up of Police Stations in Coastal areas also came up for discussion.

The meeting was attended among others by the Cabinet Secretary K. M. Chandrashekar, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta, Director General Coast Guard Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, Defence Secretary Vijay Singh, Secretaries from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shipping and Fisheries. (ANI)