Implementation of Section 8 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, is the need of the hour, Director-General of Police J.V. Ramudu said on Tuesday.
The DGP was here to attend the 29{+t}{+h}Onshore Security Coordination Committee Meeting, AP Region, organised by the oil companies. The Section empowers the Governor to protect people in the joint capital of Hyderabad and all vital installations. “In the present circumstances, it is necessary to implement the provisions of the Section,” he said.
Phone-tapping issue
On the cases filed against Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on the phone-tapping issue, the DGP said investigation will take its course, and it was too early to say anything.
On whether Telangana or the AP police should provide security to the VVIPs of AP, the DGP saidwhen it comes to security, the police force across the country is a single entity and bound by a pledge to protect people. “It is only a matter of streamlining certain things. If required we would take their help and provide our services if they need,” he said.
Mr. Ramudu also negated the claim that the Maoists were gaining ground in the Andhra Odisha Border along the Visakhapatnam district. “The entire AOB area is under control and incidents such as the protest week declared by the Maoists in the AOB area from July 1, are nothing but publicity stunts,” he said.
According to the DGP, efforts were on to develop a ‘She’ police team in AP, on the lines of a force present in Hyderabad, for enhancing women safety.
“In the next recruitment drive, we intend to take more women into the force for developing such a team,” he said.
Security of installations
Senior officials dealing with security from all the major oil and gas companies such as ONGC, GAIL, HPCL, BPCL and IOCL participated in the coordination meeting.
All the security agencies should take people into confidence, the DGP said. “When it comes to security of vital installations, a lot depend on external intelligence. And people are the best source. People should be proactive and inform the police or the company, if they notice something suspicious,” he said.
It was also decided that the oil majors should notify a toll free number to the public and relocate some of the structures located close to pipelines for safety.
Mock emergency drills
“We have decided to hold mock emergency drills in coordination with all stake holders on a regular basis,” said Mr. Ramudu.
Executive Director (Security) ONGC, S.N. Singh, Additional D-G, AP, R.P. Thakur, senior officers from the coastal districts and officers from IB, Fire Department and CISF were present at the meeting.
