CCS holds meeting to chalk out security plans

In the backdrop of the Mumbai terror attacks, the Cabinet Committee on Security held a meeting on Tuesday to chalk out future plans for enhancing internal security through tough laws and establishment of a federal agency.

The CCS meeting, held at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's residence, was attended by Home Minister P Chidamabaram, Defence Minister A K Antony, Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta and National Security Advisor M K Narayanan.

This was the first CCS meeting for the newly inducted Home Minister P Chidambaram. Revamping of the internal security machinery is on top of the agenda of the meeting, sources said.

The CCS is meeting close on the heels of the Prime Minister's announcement that the government is mulling setting up of a federal investigating agency, changes in the legal framework to fight terrorism, establishment of four hubs for the National Security Guard to ensure faster security response, and other measures for strengthening internal security.

The CCS is also likely to finalise a draft for setting up a federal investigating agency before sending it to the Union Cabinet for approval, sources said.