Maharashtra government welcomes Chidu's letter

Amid reports of some states reacting adversely to the 'tone and language' of a letter sent by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on enhancing security in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks, the Maharashtra government has said that it would promptly act on his suggestions.

"We welcome the steps suggested by the Union Home Minister. In fact, we have already started acting on the letter dated December 17," a senior government official said.

"Chief Minister Ashok Chavan would be attending the January 6 meeting in Delhi as conveyed by Chidambaram," the official said.

In the four-page letter, Chidambaram has listed step-by-step measures state governments should take to secure guard against terror attacks.

Chidambaram, who took over after Shivraj Patil resigned owning moral responsibility for failing to prevent the November 26 Mumbai terror strikes, has directed the state governments to immediately implement the proposals as there was "no need to lose time discussing the matters".

"Maharashtra has, in fact, already implemented some of the suggestions, like setting up an emergency control room. However, the minister has suggested that the control room be manned by a young and energetic officer of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police/Superintendent of Police and we will do the needful," the official said.