Context:
On 26th November 2008, Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based terror group, carried out attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Nariman House, Oberoi Trident, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station in Mumbai.
Relevance:
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions
Dimensions of the Article:
- Indian Security Vulnerabilities Exposed by 26/11 Attacks
- Security Enhancements Post 26/11 Attacks
- Continuing Gaps in Indian Coastal Security
- Strategic Improvements for Enhanced Coastal Security
Indian Security Vulnerabilities Exposed by 26/11 Attacks
- Intelligence Sharing Failures: There was a critical gap in real-time intelligence sharing among various security agencies, which allowed the attackers to proceed undetected.
- Coastal Security Lapses: Inadequate surveillance and coordination among the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Police resulted in the terrorists infiltrating via the sea without detection.
- Counter-propaganda Inefficiencies: There was a failure to counter digital propaganda and online radicalization, which facilitated local logistical support for the attackers.
- Training Deficiencies: Security forces lacked the training to deal with simultaneous urban terrorist attacks across multiple locations.
- Response Delays: Slow and uncoordinated response allowed the terrorists to maintain control and cause extensive damage and loss of life.
- Communication Equipment: The terrorists used advanced communication tools to maintain contact with their handlers, demonstrating a need for better electronic surveillance and countermeasures.
Security Enhancements Post 26/11 Attacks
- Maritime Security Overhaul: The Indian Navy now oversees maritime security, coordinating with the Coast Guard and newly established marine police stations to secure the coastline.
- Improved Intelligence Sharing: The Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) has been strengthened for better intelligence coordination. The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) integrates data from various national databases to aid in quick identification of threats.
- Legislative and Technological Advances: Implementation of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and enhancements to the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) support data-driven policing and inter-agency cooperation.
- Modernization of Forces: Upgrades to police infrastructure, modernization of equipment, and specialized training for officers to handle terror-related scenarios.
- Rapid Deployment Forces: Establishment of National Security Guard (NSG) regional hubs for quicker response to terrorist threats.
- International Collaboration: Enhanced cooperation with Western countries, especially the US, in security matters and intelligence sharing, leading to global pressure on Pakistan to curb terror activities originating from its soil.
Continuing Gaps in Indian Coastal Security
- Challenging Geography: India’s extensive coastline, spanning over 7,517 km, presents significant surveillance challenges due to its length and the volume of maritime traffic.
- Inadequate Surveillance Coverage: The current mandate for Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) on vessels over 20 meters overlooks numerous smaller boats that might be exploited for illicit activities.
- Complex Threat Landscape: The coastal areas face diverse threats including terrorism, smuggling, and illegal migration, complicating security measures and responses.
- Reliance on Fishermen for Intelligence: Depending heavily on fishermen for crucial security intelligence is problematic due to possible non-cooperation stemming from fear or distrust.
- Insufficient Infrastructure and Training: State police forces often lack the necessary equipment and training, with political interference further obstructing effective maritime security operations.
Strategic Improvements for Enhanced Coastal Security
- Institutionalizing Proactive Counterterrorism: Embedding aggressive counterterrorism responses like surgical strikes into national policy to deter potential threats and assert India’s defensive posture.
- Expanded Multi-Agency Training: Enhancing the scale of NSG-led multi-agency security exercises across India to ensure comprehensive preparedness among all security echelons.
- Enhanced Local and National Coordination: Facilitating a seamless operational relationship between local police and national counterterrorism units for efficient crisis management.
- Empowering Decision-Makers: Granting more autonomy to security officials at all levels to make swift decisions during security breaches or attacks.
- Comprehensive Disaster Management Plans: Developing urban strategies that address both natural and human-made disasters, particularly focusing on terrorist threats.
- Interdisciplinary Security Training: Integrating training programs that cover both cyber and physical security aspects to prepare forces for modern threats.
- Community Engagement Initiatives: Establishing community-driven ‘Awake Cells’ to foster public cooperation with security agencies, enhancing grassroots intelligence and response to suspicious activities.
-Source: Indian Express
