Patna, Nov 11 (IANS) Bihar has begun the process of setting up an Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said Monday.

"Bihar Police has began the process to set up ATS soon," he told the media here.

Nitish Kumar denied reports that his government was soft in countering terrorist activities. "There is no such thing like being soft towards terrorists."

Bihar Police chief Abhayanand said: "We are working to formally set up ATS."

The cabinet approved a proposal to set up the ATS after July's serial bomb blasts at Bodh Gaya's Mahabodhi temple.

The government has cleared the 344 posts for the ATS.

An official in the home department said the ATS would be set up following the serial blasts in Bodh Gaya and Patna (Oct 27) within four months.