Security Agencies Conduct Mock Drills

24 October 2009

The local people of Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Uttara Kannada had been wondering about the reasons for the tight security along the state’s coastline. Moreover, the DC was saved from a terrorist attack yesterday. Today, it has come to light that these activities were part of the mock drill organized in order to prepare the security agencies for future terrorist attacks or disasters. 

Mr. V Ponnuraj, the deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, said that the disaster management machinery must be regularly checked for efficacy so that it functions properly in times of need. 

During the mock drill, the DC’s office was taken over by the terrorists, who blew up the elevators. The task of the rescue team was to rescue the people who were trapped inside the office. Mr. Ponnuraj was rescued from the clutches of the terrorists after the district administration officials successfully negotiated with the terrorists for his release.

In the meantime, the Coastal Police, leaders of the fishermen, and the Coast Guard were undergoing similar mock drills at sea. Five security agency boats were used for the mock drill. 

Commandant of Coast Guard P. S. Jha addressed the team that formed part of the mock drill and said that the coastline needs to be protected and that the security agencies need to know who comes along the coast and who leaves it.