Security beefed up in Andaman, Lakshadweep to counter Chinese presence

NEW DELHI: In the backdrop of reports of increased Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean, government has stepped up security in Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

"The government is aware of strategic importance of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep and has been taking steps to enhance security in two Union Territories," home minister P Chidambaram told members of consultative committee, who expressed their concerns over security and related issues of these strategically located UTs.

Stating that a 'unified command' has already been set up in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chidambaram said, "Additional police forces have been sanctioned for both Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep."

He also said connectivity was a major issue in Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands and the government was addressing it.

The issue, among other pressing matters, will come up for threadbare discussion when top security brass of the country meets here during a three-day conference, beginning September 15.

Sources said that the conference would, however, deliberate on issues concerning terrorism, naxalism, infiltration, cyber security and circulation\printing of fake Indian currency notes.

Top police officials of states, UTs, paramilitary forces and intelligence agencies will attend this annual conference, organized by Intelligence Bureau.