Four Years After 26/11 Tardy Build Up of Capabilities

PRLog (Press Release) - Dec. 17, 2012 - A slew of security enhancing measures had been instituted post 26/11.  None has reached critical mass till date. Nat grid, which was meant to be a sophisticated network of terrorist database has lost momentum, probably due to appointment of Shri P Chidambaram as Finance Minister , relinquishing his portfolio as the Home Minister. Police reforms continue at their usual snail’s pace. The National Investigation Agency has produced some remarkable results and is illustrative of what good co-ordination between various investigative agencies can achieve. However, political bickering between the Centre and the States has ensured that the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) remains in the deep freezer.  Measures to enhance coastal security have produced moderately better results as radar chains and electro optic sensors have been installed along the coast in Phase 1 of the Coastal Security Scheme. More such infrastructure is planned in Phase 2. However, inter agency coordination between Navy, Coast Guard , Marine Police , Customs , etc remains patchy.  Given India’s long and unregulated coast line and emerging co-ordination challenges,  a lot of ground needs to be covered to safeguard the nation from repeats of 26/11.