New Delhi:
Even as India seeks to resume talks with Pakistan as early as this month, the Prime Minister on Sunday met chief ministers to discuss internal security - the third meeting between the Centre and states since 26/11.
"The Home Minister and Home Secretary do reply promptly when we have an issue," said Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi at the security meet. But behind the smiles were tough messages from either side.
The home minister was a tough taskmaster, pointing out shortcomings like:
Minutes later, the Prime Minister too drove the point home further: "A basic pre-requisite of any internal security system is an adequate number of policemen who are also well trained."
As the meeting wore on, there were two reminders of Naxal violence - a great threat, according to the PM. Rebels in Bihar blew up a railway track snapping a major North-to-East link. In Orissa, alabour supervisor was taken out of his house at night and killed.
Chief Ministers of Naxal states had one message - give us more money, more men. "The Centre has said that they will give five more battalions, but that will be for southern parts of Orissa. A lot of funds are required for more marine police stations," said Naveen Patnaik.
Gujarat too wants more Central support and about 1800 crores, Maharastra 2000 crores and Goa about 10 crore. Karnataka wants more money for police modernisation; Rajasthan too asked for increased financial support.
Although Pakistan, infiltration and terror groups figured in the talks, the key message however was that states need to do more. The states' retort: We need more money.
"The Home Minister and Home Secretary do reply promptly when we have an issue," said Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi at the security meet. But behind the smiles were tough messages from either side.
The home minister was a tough taskmaster, pointing out shortcomings like:
- "Tardy" recruitment of police men and women
- Inefficient use of funds meant for security
- "Slow progress" on police reforms
- Not enough intelligence re-vamp
Minutes later, the Prime Minister too drove the point home further: "A basic pre-requisite of any internal security system is an adequate number of policemen who are also well trained."
As the meeting wore on, there were two reminders of Naxal violence - a great threat, according to the PM. Rebels in Bihar blew up a railway track snapping a major North-to-East link. In Orissa, alabour supervisor was taken out of his house at night and killed.
Chief Ministers of Naxal states had one message - give us more money, more men. "The Centre has said that they will give five more battalions, but that will be for southern parts of Orissa. A lot of funds are required for more marine police stations," said Naveen Patnaik.
Gujarat too wants more Central support and about 1800 crores, Maharastra 2000 crores and Goa about 10 crore. Karnataka wants more money for police modernisation; Rajasthan too asked for increased financial support.
Although Pakistan, infiltration and terror groups figured in the talks, the key message however was that states need to do more. The states' retort: We need more money.
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