India boosts security after bombs

India has revealed plans to upgrade its intelligence gathering ability following a spate of bombings.

A new centre will be established to research surveillance and preventative measures and become a focus for counter-terrorism strategies.

The government has been accused of failing to track down shadowy groups that set off bombs in four cities this year killing dozens of people.

The prime minister has said there were vast gaps in intelligence gathering.

Manmohan Singh said his government is considering legislation to strengthen laws to combat attacks by militant groups.

Mr Singh's comments follow a series of bomb blasts that killed at least 20 people and wounded about 90 in the capital, Delhi, over the weekend.

BOMB ATTACKS IN INDIA IN 2008

• 13 September: Five bomb blasts kill 18 in Delhi
• 26 July: At least 22 small bombs kill 49 in Ahmedabad
• 25 July: Seven bombs go off in Bangalore killing two people
• 13 May: Seven bomb hit markets and crowded streets in Jaipur killing 63

Delhi bombs follow haunting script

In pictures: Delhi blasts

"We are actively considering legislation to further strengthen the substantive anti-terrorism law in line with the global consensus on the fight against terrorism," the prime minister said late on Wednesday.

"There is no question of government being soft on terrorism."

Although police have issued sketches of three men they believe to be suspects, there have been no arrests.

Since late 2005, more than 400 people have died in bombings in Indian cities.

India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party wants a tough anti-terrorism law it brought in when it was in power to be reinstated.

The governing Congress party scrapped the law saying it was misused to harass Muslims.

'Vast gaps'

Mr Singh said India's intelligence and security agencies have been successful in thwarting a number of militant attacks.

"But as the recent blasts in Jaipur, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Surat and Delhi indicate, there are still vast gaps in intelligence. These need to be overcome," he said.

He said the government had reports that "certain Pakistan-based groups are constantly seeking to set up new terrorist modules" in India.

"This is a matter of utmost concern. We have increased vigilance on our borders. But in view of the growing involvement of local elements, this is not enough," he said.

A federal government panel has recommended tougher laws to fight attacks by militant groups.

A group calling itself the Indian Mujahideen has claimed responsibility for the bombs which went off in busy areas of Delhi.

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