Lucknow, Sep 9 - Private security guards in Uttar Pradesh may soon starting looking more professional and confident as the state Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) is all set to train them to combat terror strikes.

'The move aims to engage private security agencies in our fight against terrorism,' a senior official with the Uttar Pradesh ATS told IANS.

'Deployment of only those private security guards will be allowed at multiplexes, cinema halls, banks and other prominent private establishments, who have successfully completed the training programme,' he added.

According to an estimate, there are nearly 125,000 private security guards from about 300 security agencies operating in the state.

Presently, there exists no rule that governs the deployment of security guards at private places.

'The training programme primarily aims to equip private security guards in tackling crime,' Additional Director General (Law and Order) A.K. Jain told IANS.

'It (training programme) would definitely enable them (private security personnel) to assist police in tackling terror,' he added.

Highlighting the core contents of the training programme, the official said it would broadly comprise training the security guards on how to pick up early warning signs of terror strikes, how to handle a terror situation and how to act after terror strikes, officials said.

Another important part of the training programme would focus on enabling security guards to engage terrorists before the arrival of police and law enforcement agencies, they added.