Counterterrorism measuresThe enemies have learned ever-more sophisticated counter-intelligence techniques: evading surveillance, establishing cut-outs between cell members and more careful use of communications and identity documents. This means the need for intelligence operatives with discretion, commitment, creativity and powerful intellect. It also requires substantial investment in resources.
India must be unstinting in this investment. But however much effort and skill goes into such activities, the opaque, confusing, contradictory and uncertain nature of intelligence means there will always be failures.
We need a multi-layered defence against terrorism. Of the many counterterrorism measures that must be implemented in addition to intelligence work, two are most important. First is deterrence.
Deterrent measures have directly prevented attacks. Sometimes deterrence will only delay attacks or displace them onto other targets. But lives can be saved if terrorists are denied their target of choice, and delay can buy vital time for dots to be joined.
Deterrence means effective and visible security measures that sow fear and doubt in the mind of the terrorist: that he will not be able to hit his target undetected; or that he might be killed or captured. Even the suicide terrorist fears capture and imprisonment. Deterrence means technical systems like scanners and metal detectors in the right place and working. But above all deterrence means highly alert, disciplined, competent, well-trained police and security guards.
Second is command and coordination. India needs a cabinet-level central government minister responsible exclusively for driving counterterrorism policy and implementation. Only by strong, top-level command will the counterterrorist resources of central and state governments be harnessed against terrorists. That other post-26/11 innovation, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, also paralyzed by bureaucracy and vested interests, should be brought quickly on line. An instrument that gives focus and unity to the efforts of the plethora of national and state agencies dedicated to counterterrorism is urgently needed.
If the Indian government is really serious about combating terrorism on a war footing then it should not hesitate to adopt drastic measures which will keep the terrorists at bay and ensure security to crores of Indians against terror attacks.
India must be unstinting in this investment. But however much effort and skill goes into such activities, the opaque, confusing, contradictory and uncertain nature of intelligence means there will always be failures.
We need a multi-layered defence against terrorism. Of the many counterterrorism measures that must be implemented in addition to intelligence work, two are most important. First is deterrence.
Deterrent measures have directly prevented attacks. Sometimes deterrence will only delay attacks or displace them onto other targets. But lives can be saved if terrorists are denied their target of choice, and delay can buy vital time for dots to be joined.
Deterrence means effective and visible security measures that sow fear and doubt in the mind of the terrorist: that he will not be able to hit his target undetected; or that he might be killed or captured. Even the suicide terrorist fears capture and imprisonment. Deterrence means technical systems like scanners and metal detectors in the right place and working. But above all deterrence means highly alert, disciplined, competent, well-trained police and security guards.
Second is command and coordination. India needs a cabinet-level central government minister responsible exclusively for driving counterterrorism policy and implementation. Only by strong, top-level command will the counterterrorist resources of central and state governments be harnessed against terrorists. That other post-26/11 innovation, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, also paralyzed by bureaucracy and vested interests, should be brought quickly on line. An instrument that gives focus and unity to the efforts of the plethora of national and state agencies dedicated to counterterrorism is urgently needed.
If the Indian government is really serious about combating terrorism on a war footing then it should not hesitate to adopt drastic measures which will keep the terrorists at bay and ensure security to crores of Indians against terror attacks.
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