Fight against terror
B. ASHOK
The Indian intelligence and response coordination capabilities have been seriously tested after a slew of unrelenting attacks on civilian soft targets. After the 1993 Mumbai blasts that had used high-end RDX which was smuggled in through bureaucratic complicity, the activity has gone low grade, technology-wise. These are calling cards of retail low grade terrorism tickling state agencies announcing reach and depth.
Concerns exist on the intelligence cross verification, validation and proper sharing with the responder in the field. Reports from State units are either too sketchy or too well publicised already for any suitable action to be taken. Dossiers on activists of nefarious intentions are not updated. For the IPS and state police officers, who prefer the perks and visibility of local police, undercover-intelligence is not a preferred assignment.
Local intelligence
While the existence of a senior police cadre across the country is an asset from coordination purposes, one must not lose sight of the costs of not allowing State police cadres developing their managerial talents. Grassroots level policing work suffers enormously in the many States since field officers not having adequate command and control of local social situations cannot get sufficient intelligence. One can always argue that they remain beyond local influence but intelligence is essentially a local function.
The transfer-raj in India ends up posting perfect strangers to sensitive beat and command positions. One cannot obviate political control totally but there needs to be further strengthening of accountability in the transfers and postings. Poor leadership at a crucial position can mar the State force capability irrecoverably.
Use of technology
Urban terror cannot be fought without cutting edge technology like dedicated satellites, CCTV, real time total connectivity between intelligence and responders, metal detectors, snooping devices, listening posts, network of informers and command and control rooms. Fast dispersal and deployment of Bomb squads need heli-support which must be positioned in all metros without delay. Post Kandhahar, it may also be a good idea to station an NSG platoon trained at ’ladder operations’, i.e., storming aircraft with smoke bombs and neutralizing hijackers. Without thorough training and upgradation even the best commando forces will find it difficult to succeed.
At least all metro airports need such capability with transport facility to nearby smaller ports with determination of jurisdiction. It is clear that the planners are national and the doers are local cells. Most State governments hesitate to detain suspects for political reasons. Apologists for particularised viewpoints, rights or liberty come to critique and skew the police response.
While no community should feel threatened by the reaction of State agency and actions such as detention must be under checks and balances, it must not be lost sight of that innocents are blown to bits by the cowardly act of a few. There are no graver human rights violations than terrorism and no World nation has hesitated to say and do the needful.
Sooner or later India will have to join the fight against terror decisively.
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