‘Queries’ and ‘objections’ cleared, Haryana set to get its own ATS unit soon

Chandigarh: The Haryana home department is close to establishing an Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), as the police department has cleared queries and objections moved by the finance department. As per sources, the govt has reportedly allocated Rs 35 crore for the new force. The home department's approved restructured staff arrangement for the specialised force was under review as the finance department had sought some details related to operational costs and other technical aspects. The department had asked the police provide "details of models adopted by other states." Notably, consequent to the attack at Red Fort last year, it was decided to set up an ATS in Haryana. During the recently held budget session, the govt allocated Rs 35 crore for the same. "An additional director general of police (ADGP)-Inspector General (IG)-level officer will lead this special force, which will have a total strength of 575 officers and personnel," said a senior official. Notably, in its communication made to the police via the home department, the finance department had sought complete details about the sanctioned posts, mandated work and operational requirements of the force. Officials in Haryana police informed that DGP Ajay Singhal had submitted the detailed report to the home department for consideration of ACS, which would be forwarded to finance after getting the go-ahead from CMO. "These are very small technical issues ahead of making the unit operational. Since both the departments are interlinked and are headed by the CM, hence there should not be any issue in clearance. Moreover, setting up of this unit has been mandated by the Union home ministry," a senior official in the chief minister office (CMO) remarked. As per latest data, 27 terror-related cases were registered in Haryana in the last two years. Majority of the cases were probed by the Special Task Force or other units of the districts. Some cases were even transferred to National Investigation Agency (NIA. The proposed ATS infrastructure includes separate office facilities, residential accommodation, transport arrangements and advanced operational infrastructure. Plans also include a high-tech training centre equipped with indoor and outdoor firing ranges, strategic driving practice areas, obstacle-based combat training zones and room intervention training facilities. The ATS unit is expected to be equipped with advanced surveillance technology, modern weapons, armoured vehicles, communication systems and specialised computing devices. MSID: 130993151 413 |