On Martyrs' Day today, which commemorates the day Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated, Central Railways (CR) put up a memorial at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) here to pay homage to all those who were killed in the terrorist attacks on November 26 last year.
On Martyrs' Day today, which commemorates the day Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated, Central Railways (CR) put up a memorial at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) here to pay homage to all those who were killed in the terrorist attacks on November 26 last year.
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u00a0"Today is martyrs' day and this was the right day to pay homage to all those who lost their lives during the terror attacks last November," Central Railway PRO Shrinivas Mudgerikar told reporters here. "We have put up a memorial at CST so that people will come to know what happened that day. It was a simple and private affair," he said.
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The 7-feet tall structure, made of black granite, has been placed where the terror attacks took place and it states that the "fight with terrorism will continue".
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u00a0"This memorial will inspire the coming generation to fight against terrorism. They should also remember those who sacrificed their lives including railway employees and passengers. This memorial that will remain for years together will remind people not only of the terror attacks but also of those innocent people who were killed," he said.
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Apart from putting up the memorial, CR also maintained two-minute silence in the memory of those who lost their lives. "This attack has changed the perception of security not only within the railways but also among State and Central governments and other intelligence and security agencies," Mudgerikar said.
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To counter such attacks in the future, the CR has increased the number of security personnel and Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras. "We, at Central Railways, have further strengthened our security. We have increased our Railway Protection Force (RPF) by 250 security personnel from 950 personnel in the suburban areas," Mudgerikar said.
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u00a0"At strategic locations, we have put up bunkers and personnel there are armed with SLRs and AK-47 rifles. We have set up 750 CCTVs for suburban areas. At CST, there are 51 CCTVs and we have upgraded the quality of the existing ones. Also, X-ray baggage scanners have been set up and a luggage tag is being attached after checking," he added.
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The number of dog sqauds have also been increased to 20 from 11 earlier and within two months there would be 20 more sniffer and tracker dogs, he said. At CR almost 35 lakh passengers travel everyday and it is important to ensure their safety and security, he said.
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"We also require their support and co-operation. They too need to be alert. From time to time, we advertise and make announcements saying that passengers should keep an eye on suspicious activities and inform the authorities," he said.
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On November 26 last year, terrorists opened fire at CST killing at least 52 people including railway employees and passengers. "Till now 18 employment offer letters have been issued to those who lost family members during the attacks. They will get jobs depending on their qualifications," Mudgerikar said
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