New Delhi: Former top cop Kiran Bedi Monday stressed that carrying out joint security exercises and conducting drills at landmark sites across the country were important to tackle terrorism and avoid crisis situations like the terror strikes in Mumbai.

Bedi, the first Indian Police Service (IPS) woman officer, said the armed forces should work together and conduct security drills during peace time and added that good control rooms must be established to avoid or handle terror attacks.

"There must be coordination and operation rules between the forces like joint exercises, simulation and working together. The higher authorities like the chief minister, the home minister, DGP (director general of police), chief of army and naval staff should take the responsibility of the simulation. Every wing should join hands," Bedi told reporters at a function to promote her new show "Aap Ki Kachehri, Kiran Ke Saath" that will be aired on Star Plus Monday onwards.

"The forces should practice together in peace time and there should be regular rehearsal pooling and drills including both for media and communities. We need to identify targets for example like India gate, Metro Rail, Rashtrapati Bhavan and nuclear power plants that could be attacked by amphibious techniques," said Bedi, who took voluntary retirement last year.

The Magsaysay Award winner stressed that apart from basic strategies required, good "control room operations" were necessary in times of crisis. She also raised the need for better war gear and good policing.

"We should have strong legal processes to show that India is a strong power. We (the forces) should be equipped individually. Everybody should be able-bodied. Better weapons and better training should be given.

"We need good police at the moment so that they protect the whole community. Everyone needs security as it is a fundamental right and it is the government's responsibility to provide good policing," Bedi said.

 

Source : IANS