New Delhi: The Centre has convened a meeting of state Home Secretaries on January 20 to discuss issues related to the security of rail passengers and devise solutions to the threat faced from naxals and terrorists.
"Railways is concerned over crimes against its passengers and other issues.The main thrust of the meet will be to devise security solutions for the problems of left wing
extremist and possible chances of terror attacks," a senior Railway Ministry official said.
The meeting is expected to be chaired by Union Home Secretary G K Pillai, he said.
Ministry sources said that special attention will be given to ensure free operations of passenger and goods trains in naxals-infested areas.
According to official data, a total of 4,149 incidents of murder, dacoity, drugging and robbery were reported by Railways between January and June last year.
Representatives will also be discussing ways for better coordination among Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) to check crimes against
passengers.
"Despite our attempts, some incidents of theft and loot continue to happen. Our stress will be to make Railways a crime-free zone and its trains safe for passengers," the official said.
In 2008, a total of 7,737 incidents of crime against passengers were reported that included 6,432 incidents of theft of passenger belongings.
PTI
First Published: Friday, January 08, 2010, 15:58