KSISF to function from next year

BANGALORE: The state is gearing up to have its premier industrial security force on the lines of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which shields airports and other vital installations, including some major private companies across the nation.The Karnataka State Industrial Security Force (KSISF) that was established to under the Internal Security Division (ISD) more than a year ago will begin its recruitment process.KSISF was conceptualised following the 26/11 Mumbai terror siege but the recruitment and training processes were delayed.However, the process began with the government bringing out a notification regarding the recruitment of 1,731 constables, including 173 women and 197 reserve sub-inspectors.The recruited personnel would be trained at police training institutes at Channapatna, Gulbarga and Khanapur.The training would last for a year and the first batch of the state’s premier industrial security force would be functional by June of 2013.Primarily, the KSISF personnel would be deputed to guard dams and power plants across state as these fall under the radar of various terrorist outfits.Presently, dams and power plants are being guarded by the local police.The KSISF would also be deputed to safeguard other vital installations.Also, top officials from the ISD are contemplating to give KSISF platoons to major IT companies on request.However, a final decision is yet to be made on this.Inspector General of Police of the ISD, Bhaskar Rao, said that the KSISF personnel would be given sophisticated and tough training to deal with any situation.“We have also spoken to CISF officials to train our men and they have agreed to it.CISF trainers would be involved in training the KSISF personnel at various stages,” he said.The KSISF will be formed on the lines of CISF, Rao added.