By IANS,
Bangalore : India is making all-out efforts to prevent another Mumbai-style terror attack by adequately equipping its security forces and beefing up the intelligence network, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said Wednesday.
“After the Mumbai attack Nov 26, we are making all-out efforts to prevent similar kind of incidents by making our armed forces, security forces and intelligence agencies working together as a team and equipping them with the latest arms and ammunition,” Antony told reporters after inaugurating the Aero India 2009 international air show at Yelahanka air base near here.
In a veiled reference to the latest Al Qaeda terror threat against India, Antony claimed that there would not be any change in the security scenario in the Indian sub-continent.
“Considering the present day situation around India, I don’t think there will be a remarkable movement in the security scenario around us. Hence, we have to be prepared for any eventuality by strengthening our armed forces, security forces and intelligence agencies more than ever before,” Antony asserted.
Asked if India was rethinking on its defence requirements and preparedness following the Mumbai terror attack, the defence minister said the government has decided to modernise and strengthen its armed forces in light of series of terror attacks across the country even prior to 26/11 due to deteriorating security scenario in the neighbourhood over a period.
“Anybody seriously looking out at the prevailing security scenario in South Asia, especially in the neighbourhood, India has no alternative, much less choice to beef up its security to face any external or internal threat – be it from terrorists, militants or Maosits – to ensure the safety, security of its people and the country’s economic growth,” Antony noted.
Reiterating that modernisation and upgradation of armed forces was a continuing process, Antony said the government has accorded top priority after the Mumbai attack to equip the services and security agencies with the best of machinery and material, including additional reinforcements.
“After 26/11, we are more vigilant. Security and armed forces are in a state of preparedness to not only prevent repeat of such a dastardly attack, but also counter any such (terror) elements anywhere, anytime,” Antony affirmed.