Private security agencies demand semi-automatic weapons

New Delhi, Nov 29 (PTI) In the wake of the terror attacks
in Mumbai, private security agencies deployed at hotels,
malls, monuments and other public places across the country
have demanded to be allowed to carry semi-automatic weapons.

Current Private Security Act 2005 does not allow private
security guards to carry sophisticated automatic weapons as it
allows only 12 bore guns, .315 rifles and .32 pistols and
revolvers.

Since private security guards are the first line of
defence, they should be armed with modern weapons to deal with
the changed situation in security set up, said R K Sinha, CMD
of the Security and Intelligence Service, one of the largest
private security agencies in the country.

Two security guards who were killed guarding Trident
hotel in Mumbai were carrying batons.

Sophisticated weapons can be concealed under the dress
and can match with the requirement of a luxury hotel, said
Sinha.

"Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has asked us to
beef up the security at monuments after the Mumbai incident.
Though we are installing scanners at the entry gates, it would
not be a fool-proof arrangement," said a senior official of
another private security agency which has been given
responsibilities of guarding certain monuments in the capital.

"Unless our guards are equipped with sophisticated
weapons they would not be able to manage the situation in case
of such terror attacks," he added.

Private security agencies are taking up the matter with
the Home Ministry soon to allow private guards to carry
semi-automatic weapons.

Government should work out a classification system for
security agencies before allowing their guards to carry such
weapons since sophisticated weapons cannot be given to
everybody, said Sinha.

Besides hotels, private security guards are also deployed
at monuments, religious shrines, banks and malls.

There should be baggage screening and personnel screening
system in such places which are frequented by public, he said.

Facing the worst crisis in the wake of terror attack,
tour operators have also demanded that security arrangement be
strengthened at hotels.

Vijay Thakur, president of Indian Association of Tour
Operators said there is a need for strengthening of security
system at hotels in the country. PTI