Four task forces on security

By Vinay Kumar

NEW DELHI, MAY 7. The Group of Ministers (GoM), recently formed by the Vajpayee Government to examine national security in its entirety, has decided to set up four task forces to look into crucial aspects relating to internal security. The four task forces are on defence management, intelligence, border management and internal security.

The task forces, to be headed by experts, probably retired senior police, defence and intelligence officials, would submit their reports to the GoM.

Headed by the Union Home Minister, Mr. L. K. Advani, and having the External Affairs Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh, the Defence Minister, Mr. George Fernandes, and the Finance Minister, Mr. Yashwant Sinha, as members, the GoM has already held two meetings. It is likely to submit its report to the Government in six months. The National Security Adviser, Mr. Brajesh Mishra, and the Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Prabhat Kumar, are special invitees.

The GoM will also specifically examine the report of the Kargil Review Committee and some 25 recommendations made by it.

Government sources said that the GoM felt the national security scenario called for a systemic change and thorough analysis so that an ``action plan'' for plugging loopholes in the management of various aspects of security could be prepared.

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