Panaji, July 18 - Unable to solve the mystery behind increasing incidents of desecration of religious shrines in the state, the police here have recommended setting up of a militia to tackle the communally sensitive issue.

Superintendent of Police Tony Fernandes told IANS that 141 people had already been short-listed for the formation of the Nagrik Suraksha Dal (NSD), which would guard the religious structures located in the state's remote regions.

'The proposal has almost been cleared by the state government. The NSD members will be trained in basic policing techniques and self protection at the police training school in Valpoi for a couple of months before being put into action,' Fernandes said, adding that each member would be paid an allowance of Rs.200 per day.

Over the last two years, more than 30 instances of desecration of religious structures and thefts at places of religious interest had forced the state government to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising of Crime Branch personnel to get to the bottom of the matter.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had gone on record saying that there was a greater design behind the desecrations.