Now, CISF cover for Reliance, Infosys

The Centre has cleared a proposal of deploying 100 Central Industrial Security Force personnel each for Reliance refinery in Jamnagar and for Infosys premises in Bangalore.

Reliance Industries is, however, having second thoughts on having the security from the government.

After making a detailed survey of the refinery, the central security agencies decided to clear the Reliance unit of Jamnagar at the earliest for security.

Though initially it was decided to dedicate 2,000 CISF men for guarding the refinery over a period of time, the Union home ministry decided to provide, at the earliest, 100 personnel who will guard the vantage points, besides providing training to the staff of the company.

The need for security cover to vital private installations was felt following intelligence reports that Pakistan-based terrorists might try to target them by launching a surprise attack similar to the one in Mumbai last year.

Sources said crack commandos and quick reaction teams would be provided at the Reliance's Jamnagar refinery, close to Indo-Pak border in Gujarat, which makes it vulnerable to terrorist attack from the neighbouring country.

Similarly, Bangalore-based IT major Infosys will also get the same number of CISF personnel who will be guarding the software firm at vantage points.

The Centre has expanded the role of CISF from guarding government establishment to providing security to private installations in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai attack.

A senior Union home ministry official had said that Reliance Industries, which had earlier approached the Centre with the request of providing security cover to the Jamnagar refinery by the CISF, was mulling over making own security arrangement rather than depending on the paramilitary force.

"They are having a second thought. They may not avail the CISF security cover," the official had said.