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Sunday, Nov 23, 2008
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Beware the changing face of terror, Patil tells police

Sujay Mehdudia

“Terrorists may use biological and nuclear devices in future”

Intelligence best weapon to counter terrorism
States should use funds allotted for police modernisation

NEW DELHI: Warning that terrorism is changing its face fast and assuming dangerous proportions, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Saturday told the police and paramilitary forces that terror groups could resort to “nuclear, biological and chemical devices” in future. He favoured a multi-pronged approach to deal with the menace.

“At present, terrorists are using sophisticated small weapons and explosive devices. In future, they are likely to use nuclear, biological and chemical devices and other mechanical and psychological devices. The police forces should be trained to cope with these kinds of situations to prevent loss of life and property.”

Mr. Patil was inaugurating a two-day conference of Directors-General and Inspectors-General of Police organised by the Intelligence Bureau here.

To create a fear psychosis terrorists often chose targets which could lead to disturbance of a bigger and more complicated nature. “That is the reason they appear to be attacking places of a religious nature, so that conflicts between the people belonging to different religions or communities could be created.”

Expressing concern over the inter-State ramifications of terrorism, Mr. Patil favoured the creation of a central agency by amending laws but said it would not be possible until all States cooperated. “Let us hope that it would become available sooner [rather] than later.”

Referring to poor utilisation of Central funds by the States for police modernisation, Mr. Patil said if the amount remained unspent, the purpose of strengthening the forces would not be served. Asking the States to strengthen the intelligence mechanism without delay, the Minister said the best weapon, which could be used to counter terrorism, was intelligence. “No other device or weapon can be as useful as intelligence can be. Unfortunately, the machinery, which is with the States, is not strong enough to collect intelligence.”

To control terrorism in the hinterland, “We have to see that infiltration of terrorists from other countries does not take place through sea routes and through the borders between India and friendly countries. The coastlines also have to be guarded through the Navy, the Coast Guard and coastal police.”

Earlier, IB Director P.C. Haldar said the country was facing a new type of terrorism from religious fundamentalist organisations. He said the meet would review situation and discuss measures to counter the fresh challenges.

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