Strengthening our Anti-Terror Infrastructure

What is the issue?

India ranks high on the treat perception from terrorism which calls for the strengthening of our counter terror institutions.

What is the situation in the police forces post 26/11?

• The police, who are the first responders to any terrorist crime, continue to be in a shambles.
• The states have done precious little to reform, rejuvenate or reinforce the capabilities of the police forces.
• The Supreme Court’s 2006 directions for police reforms haven’t been adhered to.
• Also, the modernisation of the forces which was delegated to the states has also suffered due to lack of will.
• Fortunately, the centre recently approved a Rs 25,000 crore scheme to strengthen the law and order apparatus.
• Now, it has to be ensured that money is utilised for the purpose for which it has been sanctioned.

How do the other systems fare?

• The Central armed police forces are also not in good health.
• There is discontent, particularly in the BSF and CRPF, over the quality of leadership at different levels and promotions.
• Irrational deployments, inadequate infrastructure in insurgency-affected states and service conditions have also aided this.
• Intelligence at the state level is generally in doldrums and implementation of the coastal security scheme has been tardy.
• Importantly, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has been conveniently forgotten.
• The “SMART” police conceptualised by the Prime Minister hasn’t taken off, mainly due to the indifference of the states.

Source: Indian Express