In the current scenario when terror threats have become much routine and prominent, making it very unpredictable for the security agencies, important installations guarded by the Central Industrial Security Force like airports, metro stations, ports, nuclear plants and monuments have become vulnerable too. In a special interview to DNA, Director General, CISF, OP Singh talks about security and combating terrorism upfront
Yes, the security audit is underway. It was started a few months back and is expected to get over in about three months from now. This would include entire scanning of the present security scenario and some major security plans may fall in leading to major changes, which, for security reasons, cannot be disclosed now. It is an effort which would strengthen us further as a security unit.
Counter Terrorism Contingency Plan – CTCP, is our security plan in Mumbai and Delhi. SHA plan allows access to anyone inside the terminal without thorough frisking. CTCP ensures friskings about half-a-kilometer before the terminal building, first at 'naka', manned by local police and CISF, then forecourt and parking lots are under surveillance and finally a stringent frisking follows at the terminal. Further we have QRTs, dogs and marshals and newly installed CCTV cameras which keep a hawk-eye-vigil.
Two months ago, MoCA constituted a committee, headed by a senior BCAS officer, to study PIDS and its flaws. The system generates several false alarms daily which is a menace. In most intrusions, the intruder was not found to be harmful and were either of unsound mind or unaware of the topography of the area. Our strength is that such cases do not go undetected. There has not been any negligence on our part.
This is true. At present, our induction is pending at 13 units across country, while 21 surveys and 28 re-surveys are pending at airports where we have been asked to strengthen our security. Apart from this 23 augmentation proposals are under consideration. At present we have over 20,000 recruits under training who will soon be joining us. Our sanctioned strength has also been increased from 1,45,000 to 1,80,000, recently by the MHA.
As DG, I have to be available for my men, regardless of their ranks. Being available means no time bar, or no selective technology. I have been approving leave applications on phone in time of emergency. There is a protocol that has to be followed. We have launched an app for grievance redressal where grievance directly reach me. Mondays I hold a meeting with those who want to meet me in person. I believe, as the head of the force, my men shall trust and confide in me.