Pallam Raju says Army can only lend logistic support to counter Maoists
By ANITuesday, April 13, 2010
VISAKHAPATNAM - Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju observed that the Army as an establishment could only provide logistic support to the paramilitary forces in countering the Maoists.
Talking to reporters here on the sidelines of the function to mark the launch of bulk carrier M.V Good Pride at the Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Raju said: “As a policy, there is no agreement to participate in the internal security situations but for logistical support to the paramilitary forces because there must be an implication that our forces (the army) cannot be used on our citizens.”
He further said that subsequent to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, security along the Indian coastline has been stepped up.
“After the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Ministry of Defence has endeavoured to strengthen the coastal security as well as total surveillance mechanism. Lighthouse modernisation is also taken up,” he said.
“By strengthening the surveillance mechanism, we are sure the coastal security measures will be tightened up,” he said.
Earlier, Raju accompanied by D Pureandeshwari, Minister of State for Human Resources Development had launched M.V Good Pride, the first biggest 53,000 DWT Diamond series bulk carrier built by the HSL.
This ship has been exclusively built for the Chennai-based Good Earth Maritime Limited. (ANI)
