The very best security for BEST

Mumbai: Monica travels everyday from VT to Shivaji Park in BEST buses, but on Friday, the tight security arrangement inside the BEST bus caught her attention.

Security officers frisking passengers with metal detectors and in-depth checking of baggage are part of BEST's new security measures after the 7/11 blasts and all that the security officers ask for is a little alertness and cooperation from the passengers.

"We have increased our security arrangements from nine flying security squads to 15," says General Manager of BEST Undertaking, Swadheen Kshatriya.

While BEST claims that it is not going to take any chances, Monika and other passengers feel that these arrangements are just a passing phase and won't be around for long.

"I am happy that they are doing all this, but I am sure it's just because of the blasts. After a few days, all this will disappear," says Monika.

These security measures taken by BEST will go a long way in supplementing the state-wide intelligence efforts to curb terrorism simply because it is precisely the lacunae in the local security system that the terrorists exploit.

However, passengers shaken by the magnitude of the 7/11 attacks find that this is a case of shutting the stable doors when the horses have escaped.

And once again, the authorities have been reactive rather than pro-active.

"It's fine they are doing it now, but why only after the blasts. I am not sure if this is going to be a permanent arrangement," wonders another passenger.

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