Porbandar: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday announced that the Centre would establish a marine police training institute in Gujarat, to train the police for safeguarding the state's 1,600 km-long coastline. The state shares the border with Pakistan.
"I obtained information on coastal security and I am satisfied that they (security agencies) are doing a good job. There are a few shortcomings and we need to fix them. The Centre will take all the necessary steps to strengthen the coastal security," Singh said.
"We need to focus more on this region as it is not only sensitive for terror activities, but also to ensure proper security to our energy installations," he said. "To ensure coastal security in Gujarat, Central government has decided to set up a marine police training institute. As soon as land is made available, we will release funds," Singh said.
The Union minister is on a two-day tour of the state to review coastal and border security. Today he reviewed coastal security arrangement here by holding a meeting with the officers of Indian Coast Guard and the state police. Security of Gujarat coast assumed more importance after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, as the Pakistani terrorists were found to have hijacked a boat near the state's coast for reaching India's financial capital.
To a question about security of fishermen, Singh said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is sensitive towards this issue and all necessary steps will be taken to ensure fishermen's safety." Singh also said that it was important to ensure security of two big refineries located on the Gujarat coast, as 70 per cent of India's crude requirement is imported through the state.
Inspector General Kuldip Singh Sheoran of the Coast Guard briefed the minister about measures taken to enhance the security. Singh also saw a demonstration of functioning of Coastal Radar Chain Network. He is also scheduled to visit Bhuj and border posts of the BSF in Harami Nullah and Sir Creek area in the Rann of Kutchh.
Gujarat Minister of State for Home Rajni Patel, Additional Chief Secretary (home) S K Nanda and Marine Police DIG Subash Trivedi participated in the meeting. Singh also visited Mahatma Gandhi's birthplace -- Kirti Mandir -- here.
"I am feeling blessed to be at the birth place of Gandhiji. His social, economic and political thoughts were relevant in his time as well as today and will also be in vogue in future," Singh said.
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