To reinforce anti-terror networks in the state of Rajasthan, Anti Terrorist Squad branches in Udaipur, Kota and Ajmer would soon to be set in motion.

After scanning the probable terror threat in Rajasthan, Government has sanctioned 3 ATS branches in Ajmer, Kota & Udaipur. Approval of 48 new postings at the 3 new branches of ATS is given by the state Government. Jaipur & Jodhpur already have their own ATS branches established.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced new branches in his previous budget. This proved to be a silver lining for the Police department, which is anticipating some improvement in tightening the security levels in these budding cities.

On being enquired by UT reporter about the reaction on the announcement of ATS in Udaipur, A Police officer spoke on the condition of anonymity, “It is a very sensitive issue and is never discussed in public due to security concerns, so we can’t throw much light on the issue. All I can say is that this planning was going on from last 6 months. Efforts got fruitful now after the announcement. We have not got any official orders regarding this issue yet.”

In respond to TOI a police officer said, “Each area in the state has a possibility of development of specific terror building blocks. For instance, Ajmer Dargaah is internationally known & has suffered a terror attack in the past. It is always under terror threat. A local ATS branch will be able to gather specific intelligence on regular basis and act swiftly in case of a threat. Similarly, Udaipur is a tourist city thronged by foreigners throughout the year.

Pushkar in Ajmer has been targeted many times by terrorist gangs like Lashkar-E-Taiba as David Headly visited the city and was accused of reconnaissance”

The TOI quoted: “The number of posts announced by the Government won’t suffice to ensure the total safeguard in the cities, as Jaipur & Jodhpur are reportedly suffering from lack of resources. So in order to be more efficient & alert, more number of resources would have to be injected in the system”.

Additional Director General of Police – Kapil Garg is heading the ATS movement in Rajasthan.

City like Udaipur which is always occupied with foreign and local tourists is a soft target for any terror activities, deployment of ATS in the lakecity is a relief to both locals and tourists.