P. Balram (right), Director of Indian Institute of Science, addressing a press meet with Prof. Balakrishna in Bangalore on Friday. — Photo: Bhagya Prakash. K

BANGALORE: The police and the intelligence officials did not give any information about a possible security threat or need for changes in the security system prior to Wednesday's terrorist atttack, Director of Indian Institute of Science (IISc) P. Balaram said here on Friday.

"Till I heard the gunshots and came to the auditorium complex I had no inkling of any threat," he said.

Asked about senior police officials having met him after April 10 — when a Tibetan activist held aloft a banner on the IISc building during the visit of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao — he said: "First of all that incident was a political protest not directed against the institute. He chose the location because the (Chinese) Premier was there. After that no police official met me or explained to me about changes to be made in the security system on the campus. I have not received any letter or phone call in this regard."

Following the latest incident, the IISc has started enhancing its security system, using "discreet surveillance systems", Prof. Balaram said.

"Security does not mean more policing or personnel alone — that will affect the free atmosphere of the institute and it will become an armed fortress. Problems of access and freedom will arise and destroy the ambience of the institute. What is needed in the country is modern, unobtrusive technology to enhance intelligence gathering operations and the way intelligence is disseminated," he said.

"Will not to enter

blame game"

"We will not enter into a blame game, this is not the time for it... you can blame me but it will not serve any purpose. You cannot predict a terrorist attack. It happens everywhere and now we have faced it too," he said.

About the present atmosphere on the campus, he said it was normal and on Thursday night he went around and saw scientists and students moving about as usual going ahead with their research work.

To a question why an international conference was not given adequate security, he said: "It was a conference related to a specialised discipline and not of interest to the general public. There are many such conferences periodically happening and it was just one among them."

About security at the J.N Tata auditorium where the attack took place, he said conferences will continue to be held there.

"Abnormal"

"What happened was abnormal and it will not be discussed by the Governing Council but considered a routine administrative matter and dealt with. The incident is for the police to deal with and investigate," he said.

Most of the ongoing research projects at IISc do not relate to the defence sector. It became the target "because it is a symbol of India's scientific advancement," Prof. Balaram said.

Overseas organisations had sent several e-mails expressing sympathy and solidarity with the IISc.

"Under the present circumstances we should all stand united and respond collectively as happened after the bomb blasts in the London underground rail system in Britain," he said.

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