Strategising for Handling New Age Terror

What is the issue?

• The rise of ‘Lone Wolf’ attacks to prominence has signalled the emergence of a new pattern in the expression of terror.
• This necessitates an overhaul in couter attack strategies – of which police forces figure prominantly.

How are lone wolf attacks different?

• Unlike conventional attacks, ‘Lone Wolf’ mode does not involve trained and armed terrorists attacking pre-determined targets.
• It is not constrained by physical border & need for weapons.
• Rather it is a more a psychological warfare were radicalization of a person in the target country is made online.
• They usually target large gatherings & any object of daily use could potentially become their weapon.
• Such attributes make lone wolf attackers lesser detectable by intelligence agencies until after the attack.

What are the ways to improve local police?

• Local  police posts are the first responders to any security threat & also the nerve centre for law enforcement, intelligence gathering.
• Training - Indian police force in general is a courageous & brave one but they need to be trained and equipped.
• Post the 2008 Mumbai attack, some progress has been made in this regard but these needs more vigour.
• Staff shortage - Currently, they are severely understaffed, which calls for immediate attention.
• Unfortunately, the limited resources of the government are being mindlessly spent in rapidly expanding the para-military forces.
• Also, large number of policemen continue to be deployed on VIP security duties.
• Other Aspects – The working of the police force needs to be Audited regularly and obstacles must be addressed with urgency.
• Mock drills should factor in changing nature of threats and tactics of the enemy.
• The masses need to be educated about the security challenges and encourage to contribute to strengthen state’s efforts.   

Source: Indian Express