Karnataka plans revamp of anti-terror cell

Making it clear that there is a need to end terrorist activities in the state, Karnataka Home Minister M P Prakash said the revamp of the Anti Terrorist Cell would top his government's priority list.

In an interview with rediff.com, he said apart from the ATC, both the state intelligence wing and cyber crime cell would be revamped. Prakash said the city police had submitted a proposal to this effect and his government would consider it.

Ban not the solution: Asked if he would ban some outfits in the state, which are suspected to be spreading terror, Prakash said a ban was not the solution. He felt once an organisation is banned another one crops up. There is a need to sort out this issue with a cool mind, the minister added. "I will hold discussions with various religious groups and find out a way to put an end to this problem," he said.

Bangalore, known globally for its booming IT sector, seems to have suffered a change of late, with the growing feeling that the city is no longer safe after three of its residents have been linked to the recent British terror plot.

Prakash said there were concerns in the government regarding this issue, that the image of Bangalore has been given a different perspective after the latest episode. He added it would be unfair to make such a comment as every city in the world had its share of problems.

Bangalore as a sleeper cell: The city has become a breeding ground for terrorists of late. Is it due to lack of political will or due to weak policing in the state? The home minister felt the people of Karnataka are by and large peace-loving and non-interfering by nature. "This, I think, has acted in favour of those wanting to spread terror. Another reason behind this, I feel, is due to the income generated through the IT sector," he said.

The home minister said he was in constant touch with the police department regarding the future course of action. He said a helpline would be set up so that residents could tip off the police regarding any kind of suspicious activity. The participation of the public, he added, would be the key to resolve the issue of terrorism.

He said the number of police informants would be increased and along with it the incentives too.