Mumbai: Maharashtra Government, reeling under criticism over handling of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has received another jolt with the widow of ATS chief Hemant Karkare saying the state police force is ill-equipped to fight terrorists.
"The recent Naxal attack in Gadchiroli in which 15 policemen were killed is yet another example that shows how the police force is ill-equipped to fight terrorists," Kavita said in a letter to Chief Minister Ashok Chavan.
Karkare was killed in the 26/11 terror attacks. Home Minister Jayant Patil on Wednesday said he had not read the letter, adding that the government has embarked on a drive to modernise police force and give cops the latest weapons.
The Naxal attack forced her to bring the issue to the government's notice, Kavita said in the letter.
The issue is not going to be resolved by honouring martyrs' with Ashok Chakras. If the government really wants to pay tributes to the 26/11 victims, then it should strengthen security agencies fighting terrorists and Naxals," she said.
"It is high time the government looked into the meagre salaries and poor condition of policemen," she said, adding the government should ensure proper accommodation for police personnel and quality education for their children.
Kavita also expressed surprise over Police Inspector Shashank Shinde, killed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus during the terror attacks, not getting 'due honour' for his bravery.
Shinde's family members have said Ashok Chakra and not Kirti Chakra which he got, would have done him justice.
Kavita also opined that any delay in terrorist Ajmal Kasab's trial may prove costly to the nation. "Kasab should be hanged if the government really wants to salute the martyrs," she added.
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