Centre to fund Kerala to enhance coastal security

Thiruvananthapuram: The Centre will provide funds to Kerala to enhance its coastal security and keep a vigil on Pakistan-sponsored terror modules, Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said Wednesday.

Pointing out that Pakistan-sponsored terror modules could be expected to create problems in any part of the country, he said police must be vigilant against such activities.

Talking to reporters here after reviewing the countrys internal security in a meeting with the state government officials, Ahir said the Centre would provide funds to Kerala for enhancing the coastal security.

The Union minister said the funds would be made available from the police modernisation fund meant for purchasing more vehicles and patrol boats.

Lauding Kerala for having a good policing system, he said its community policing was helpful to arrest radicalisation of the youth.

"So far only 22 youths from the state were reported to have joined the Islamic State outfit," Ahir said.

Replying to a question, he said a report had been sought from the state government on the political violence and murders in the state.

He also said the fake currency note menace has come down considerably in the last one year.

Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Paul Antony, state police chief Loknath Behra and other officials attended the review meeting.

Later Ahir also met Governor P Sathasivam at the Raj Bhavan here.