Govt to ensure foolproof coastal security system: HM

Concerned over marine security threats from the neighbouring countries, a proposal has been sent to the Union Defence Ministry to extend two runways close to China, Burma and Indonesia with night landing facilities at Port Blair in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Speaking to the Millennium Post over phone, Andaman & Nicobar Islands MP, Bishnu Pada Ray said, “I have sent the proposal to our Defence Minister Manohar <g data-gr-id="43">Parikkar</g> because it is very important in terms of our of national security.”

It was learnt that the proposal was also discussed on Monday at Consultative Committee Meeting (CCM) of the Ministry of Home Affairs held in Panaji in Goa. While elaborating more <g data-gr-id="44">in to</g> the proposal, he said, “There are two runways including Shivpur Naval Airbase, which is close to China and Burma at Diglipur and Campbell Bay <g data-gr-id="45">air-strip</g> in Port Blair, which is close to Indonesia and Thailand. Strategically, these two points are very important in terms of India’s maritime security. On the other <g data-gr-id="50">side</g> China came out with best naval and airbase facilities and therefore it is important for us to strengthen our system.”

He said, “Beside, these two issues, Western Coast of Nicobar required massive work to plug in the security <g data-gr-id="30">loop holes</g>. This is the stretch, which is a safe haven for the poachers and anti-socials from China, Burma and Thailand. We should not forget 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, where the perpetrators came in a boat from Pakistan.”

The archipelago is an important strategic point to India due to its close proximity to the Malacca Straits, which is the <g data-gr-id="60">gate way</g> to international trade and commerce through the waterways in South East Asia. As per <g data-gr-id="57">statistic</g> there are over 40,000 ships that use the Malacca Straits annually both ways carrying critical energy and defence products beside other items for trade and commerce. Recently, the NDA government has already given <g data-gr-id="56">clearance</g> of the setting up of a Radar Station, which will be monitored by the Indian Coast Guard and a jetty. The <g data-gr-id="54">estimate</g> cost to improve the maritime security involving Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and local administration in the first phase will cost approximately Rs 350 Crore.

Ray claimed that the proposal will enable monitoring of the Chinese naval activity in the North Andaman Sea and also it will keep a watch on the presence of <g data-gr-id="48">drug</g> and international arms smugglers. China has already been successful in establishing its presence in ports around India including Chittagong in Bangladesh, Sittwe and Coco Island in <g data-gr-id="59">Mayanmar</g>, Hambantota in Sri Lanka, and Gwadar in Pakistan, which gives it capability to stay close to Indian waters from all sides in a move known as “string of pearls”.

Meanwhile, at CCM in Goa Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh has said that 34 more Coastal Police Stations will be operationalised shortly in seven coastal states and Union Territories including Goa, West Bengal, <g data-gr-id="38">Lakshdweep</g>, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Puducherry and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

“The vulnerability of our coastline came to the fore in 1993 when explosives used in Mumbai serial blasts were smuggled through <g data-gr-id="42">sea</g> route. India’s coastline is 7,516 kilometers long and several important cities and strategic installations are located on its coast. As a part of strengthening Indian Coast Guard, two new Regional Headquarters have been established at Gandhinagar and Kolkata besides three new district headquarters at Port Blair, Puducherry and Kavaratti,” Singh said.