Hindustan Times (Ranchi)

Home minister pushes for tech teeth for forces

- Sanjay Sahay Sanjay.sahay@hindustant­imes.com n

RANCHI: Union home minister Rajnath Singh said all paramilita­ry forces must make themselves competent enough to deal with terrorism, particular­ly cyber terrorism, and in the process stop anti-national forces from thwarting economic growth of the country.

Singh was in Ranchi on Sunday to inaugurate the Central Industrial Security Force’s eastern sector headquarte­rs in Dhurwa. Chief minister Raghubar Das, minister CP Singh and top officers of Central Industrial Security Forcewere also present at the event.

Singh said that India’s GDP would increase to 5 trillion dollars in 7 to 8 years and the country would be counted in the top three economies of the world in 15 years.

“Terrorism is a big challenge. Cyber terrorism is also growing. The anti-national forces do not want the country to move ahead. People from any and every part of the world can hack the mails of government offices. All paramilita­ry force should have technologi­cal competency to deal with cyber threats,” he said.

The home minister said that extremists were also stalling developmen­t work in the country. “Demonetiza­tion has broken the back of extremism in the country. The People Liberation Front of India has been extorting money from people for long. I tell them that all big problems could be solved through talks”.

Singh also revealed that the Union government has agreed to increase the strength of Central Industrial Security Force from 1.45 lakh to 1.80 lakh, adding the force’s strength would be increased further in the future as its responsibi­lity was increasing by the day.

“Women can play an important role in paramilita­ry forces. I have issued also advisory to the state government­s to reserve 33 percent posts for women in the forces,” he said.

Speaking at the function the Jharkhand CM requested the Centre to help his state build roads and bridges in around 15 extremist-affected districts. He said that state government has resolved to end extremism and organised crime in 2017.

The chief minister said the state government would allot 100 acres of land to Central Industrial Security Force for opening a central training college for its subordinat­e staffs.

Talking to mediaperso­ns after a meeting with state officers, Singh said that demonetisa­tion should not be an issue in the state elections.

“However, when the opposition parties have decided to make it an issue, let people decide whether it was a correct or a wrong step on the part of the government. We have achieved success in elections even after demonetisa­tion,” he said.

RAJNATH SAID THE UNION GOVT HAS AGREED TO INCREASE THE STRENGTH OF CISF FROM 1.45 LAKH TO 1.80 LAKH PERSONNEL

 ?? DIWAKAR PRASAD/HT ?? Union home minister Rajnath Singh inaugurate­s the CISF’s eastern sector headquarte­rs in Ranchi on Sunday.
DIWAKAR PRASAD/HT Union home minister Rajnath Singh inaugurate­s the CISF’s eastern sector headquarte­rs in Ranchi on Sunday.

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