TN seeks Rs 51 cr from Centre to beef up security

The Tamil Nadu government has sought Rs 51 crore from the Centre as a one-time assistance to strengthen its security force. The government proposes to buy equipment for state intelligence, Tamilnadu Commando Force, Special Task Force and the Coastal Security Group.

Speaking at a meeting on internal security chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on Monday, Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister MK Stalin said quick reaction teams and quick response units among others located in each district and city were being well trained. The state government also said it was not in favour of creating a separate intelligence cadre.

In the last three years, over 12,000 police personnel had been inducted into the police force and another 13,000 vacancies will be filled up shortly, he said.

“We received Home Minister's letter for creation of State Industrial Security Force. We are examining the cost benefit aspect of this suggestion,” said Stalin.

He also urged the Centre to increase the presence of Coast Guard and Navy to safeguard the eastern coastal sector in the east coast.