State decides to stepup vigil along border

GANDHINAGAR, Oct 14: In view of the developments in Pakistan, the Gujarat Government has decided to keep a strict vigil in the border are...

GANDHINAGAR, Oct 14: In view of the developments in Pakistan, the Gujarat Government has decided to keep a strict vigil in the border areas of Kutch and Banaskantha. It has directed the collectors of both the border districts to use provisions of National Security Act (NSA) against those suspected to be indulging in anti-national activities.

At a high-level meeting here on Thursday, Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel discussed with senior officers the defence-related issues in the light of the developments in the neighbouring country. The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Home and Border Security Haren Pandya, Chief Secretary L N S Mukundan, ACS Home V V Ramsubbarao, DGP C P Singh and senior officers of intelligence agencies.

The Chief Minister instructed the officers to maintain effective co-ordination with the Defence Ministry and central intelligence agencies and constantly monitor the border situation. Various proposals relating to strengthening the State borders pending with the Centre were also discussed at the meeting. Keshubhai Patel expressed hope that they would be cleared at the earliest especially since Ahmedabad MP Harin Pathak had become the Union Minister of State for Defence.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the naval security arrangements and sought urgent Central approval of the proposal to acquire speed boats and joint patrolling on the marine border in Kutch. It was also decided to complete the census of border villages and strengthen the coast and border wing homeguards.

Haren Pandya apprised the Chief Minister of the deliberations made at a meeting he had on Wednesday with senior officials of the State Home Department and intelligence agencies to mount a strict vigil on the sea as well as land borders of the State.