- Terrorists training camp at Wagamon
- Manufacture of boats for LTTE
- Men died while manufacturing bombs
- Kerala coast major entry point for terrorists
- Hotel, Travel and Tourism industry targeted
- Kerala youth killed in J & K encounter
- Burning of Tamilnadu state transport bus
- Kerala tourism haunted by ghost of terror
- Havala money flowing as terrorists funding
- Airports under terror scan
- Kerala youth involved in recent terror blasts
- Thefts & attacks on the rise on places of worships
- LTTE landing in boats off Shertallai ???
Wednesday, April 22
Some of the Recent Kerala News Paper Headlines
Tuesday, April 21
Public-Private Participation (PPP) - New Formula in Fight against Terror
Introduction1. The Mumbai attack on 26/11 not only changed the way we think but from an organizational perspective how we are to function in the future. These terrorist attacks have highlighted the need for heightened vigilance and coordinated response to new age asymmetric warfare being waged against the nation. It would be a recipe to disaster, if we continue to handle issues of terrorism with the traditional tools of law, policies and tactics that apply to criminal activities. Therefore, Law Enforcement procedures will at some point, transform itself to meet the terrorist threat in ways that are not yet on our respective police screens, regarding training, surveillance, investigative techniques, disaster prevention and response. And most importantly developing collaborative relationships various Public and Private entities. As a responsible citizen, each and every one of us has to play more responsible role in contributing towards the security of the nation.
2. Today, we have to be fully prepared to meet the increasingly likely challenges being posed by the technology enabled terrorist groups, or individuals with criminal intent. Before their threats mature, it is necessary to prepare to deter them, prevent them from occurring, or, if need be, limit the damage to a minimum or delay their progress/plans. Success is dependent upon possessing the capability for an integrated response, and in the case of critical infrastructure protection, having public/private partnerships.
3. Are We Safe 'God's Own Country'? The state where tourism is the main revenue earner has to tell the world that everyone is safe in the 'God's own country'. Kerala does realise being on the terrorist's radar would adversely affect its tourism business. The situation has worsened when this comes right in the middle of recession, where the expatriates are returning in large numbers.
4. The results of recent investigations and the regular intelligence warning are giving clear indicators and are causing undue stress on the present police machinery. We are of the concerted opinion, that this is a very dangerous phenomenon which needs to be addressed on war footing. Time was when the police could sit back and be rest assured that the states like Kerala was nowhere on the terror radar or that terrorist activity in the southern states were nil. That was almost two decades ago. There are clear indications that many Pakistan-based terror groups had active and sleeping modules with some fundamentalist groups in the state. The death of four Keralite youths, hailing mostly from the northern districts, in an encounter with security forces in Kashmir in Jan 09, has laid bare what was widely feared. Recent arrests at Bangalore and Hyderabad have also proved, many youths, (their numbers even stretching up to 300) who went missing from homes may have fallen victims to terror recruiting agents.
5. According to the special investigation team (SIT), which questioned, the youths were trying to sneak into Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) has also found out that few of them have enrolled as a member of the Lashkar-e-Taiba and received arms training from them. Similarly, time and again the DRI has confirmed that these groups have been receiving funds through hawala rackets and expatriate networks. The police are now having a relook into several bomb hauls, blasts and murders of the past six years in the wake of the new revelations.
6. Terrorists are fast learners often we are not. Hence, they are getting swiftly adapted to our limited successes and devising new tactics, which are often not being accounted for in our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). If we still remain at our existing technological and procedural backwardness with lack the willingness to change, we could be caught napping and will be giving an obvious invitation to terrorists.
7. Potential Targets. Based on the intelligence warnings and trends, we have shortlisted few possible terror targets. They are, Crowded places, shops, malls, Hotels & resorts, Major infrastructures, Revenue sources, Critical infrastructures, Religious and pilgrim sites, Government organisations, Security forces, VIP/VVIP routes (choke points)and places of stay, Schools and residential colonies / flats, Political and sports gatherings, Pubs, clubs & commuter trains/vehicles, and other news making targets. The list is almost endless.
Way Ahead.
8. We can no longer assume that the traditional SOPs can effectively handle, control and respond to terror threats and incidents. Technology has eliminated the distances that once clearly separated Public and Private. To combat the multi-layered, polymorphous terrorist threat, we must work together to build trusted Public - Private social networks by including all the key elements in governments, businesses, private citizens, organizations, and multilateral institutions.
9. Governments are presently using all its traditional tools including diplomacy, law enforcement, and military/NSG operations to eliminate criminal safe havens and to bring them to justice. But, time and again it has been proved that traditional operating practices against criminals are not sufficient to succeed against a determined, well armed, Jihadis or terrorists. Modern-day terrorists are generally non-state actors who thrive among disaffected populations, private sector efforts are hence as important as government responsibility. Experienced security professionals, youth organizations, educational institutions, businesses, women’s groups, and development initiatives can all play a vital role.
10. Arguably, the effective media warfare and diplomatic campaign of 26/11 provided massive platform publicity against the terror tactics of Pakistan. To take the world on board, India had shared immense data in the form of Technical Intelligence (Techint). If you look back, the data derived from CCTV footage is not even counts 1% of it. The intelligence agencies could activate the TechInt facilities only due to the prolonged nature of 26/11. Had it been yet another suicide attempt or an incident of much shorter duration, we would have been a laughing stock in front of world community and Pakistan would be celebrating as usual.
11. The law must unambiguously state that the individual organisations and the individuals are equally responsible for ensuring their protection. The police is not responsible for a burglary at your house for your mistake of sleeping with your doors wide opened. Also today, the insurance tribunals have realised that the insurance companies are not responsible for the accidental deaths occurring due to the absence of seat belts and helmets. It must become the basic duty of every citizen to aid the police and the investigative agencies in providing the much required deterrence and the evidence. Towards this, they must setup necessary security infrastructure like CCTV, access control systems, alarms and barriers etc at their expenditure. The police should not be blamed for any incidence happening at places like Hotels, Malls, Resorts, Pubs, Religious places and Pilgrim sites. Similarly, police must ask for certified security arrangements, prior giving permissions to Political gatherings and other public rallies or meetings. The law enforcement agencies will make use of the TechInt data from these security installations to bring the culprits to justice faster than ever.
12. The major hotels, shops and malls hosting international clients and tourists are required to have certified security installations that are mandatorily published in advertisement and company brochures. This will require certifying their ability to maintain proper security levels when scouting for international clients. This must not remain as mere legal requirement but must become a factor for companies to compete on and grow businesses. A “secure and reliable” environment—defined by popular legal framework is an imperative for the growth and future success of the nation. That means following best practices, getting procedures audited by independent parties and making sure that these procedures are up to date and are being closely followed.
13. We expect these efforts will eventually not only assist in foiling any terrorist misadventures, but also will pay off in timely apprehension, trial and severe prison terms for the culprits. Also, as a win-win case, this will considerably reduce the workload and the consequential stress among police machinery. We are also convinced that the innovative suggestions we are offering would have the ability to limit the damage and manage the consequences should such an attack occur more professionally and effectively.
14. Boom for Business. The terror attacks on Mumbai and increasing security concerns world over, spell boom time for at least one industry in a time of global meltdown - the business of security solutions, which consists of hiring security men, but also, consultancy on creation of secure environment, setting up of automated technology controls (CCTVs, Access controls, remote barriers etc) Risk analysis on existing arrangement, security grading or certification. This will further give rise to markets for security items and increased job opportunities.
15. Even the top notched corporate houses hardly allocate 2-3 percent of their budget on security even after India remains as a soft target for terror attacks. A recent survey has indicated that only 10 percent of corporate houses in India have proper security arrangements. Even top hotels, including the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel and Trident Hotel, do not have X-ray machines to screen bags. But they don't mind spending on interior decoration. However, after the terror attacks that left over 172 people dead in Mumbai, corporate houses have woken up to this new reality, a development that has enthused those engaged in the security business.
16. Today, there is a mad rush to secure the environment/infrastructure; they brought whatever was available at a high premium in a rush. Professionally speaking, there is a set of basic guidelines such as :-
5. According to the special investigation team (SIT), which questioned, the youths were trying to sneak into Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) has also found out that few of them have enrolled as a member of the Lashkar-e-Taiba and received arms training from them. Similarly, time and again the DRI has confirmed that these groups have been receiving funds through hawala rackets and expatriate networks. The police are now having a relook into several bomb hauls, blasts and murders of the past six years in the wake of the new revelations.
6. Terrorists are fast learners often we are not. Hence, they are getting swiftly adapted to our limited successes and devising new tactics, which are often not being accounted for in our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). If we still remain at our existing technological and procedural backwardness with lack the willingness to change, we could be caught napping and will be giving an obvious invitation to terrorists.
7. Potential Targets. Based on the intelligence warnings and trends, we have shortlisted few possible terror targets. They are, Crowded places, shops, malls, Hotels & resorts, Major infrastructures, Revenue sources, Critical infrastructures, Religious and pilgrim sites, Government organisations, Security forces, VIP/VVIP routes (choke points)and places of stay, Schools and residential colonies / flats, Political and sports gatherings, Pubs, clubs & commuter trains/vehicles, and other news making targets. The list is almost endless.
Way Ahead.
8. We can no longer assume that the traditional SOPs can effectively handle, control and respond to terror threats and incidents. Technology has eliminated the distances that once clearly separated Public and Private. To combat the multi-layered, polymorphous terrorist threat, we must work together to build trusted Public - Private social networks by including all the key elements in governments, businesses, private citizens, organizations, and multilateral institutions.
9. Governments are presently using all its traditional tools including diplomacy, law enforcement, and military/NSG operations to eliminate criminal safe havens and to bring them to justice. But, time and again it has been proved that traditional operating practices against criminals are not sufficient to succeed against a determined, well armed, Jihadis or terrorists. Modern-day terrorists are generally non-state actors who thrive among disaffected populations, private sector efforts are hence as important as government responsibility. Experienced security professionals, youth organizations, educational institutions, businesses, women’s groups, and development initiatives can all play a vital role.
10. Arguably, the effective media warfare and diplomatic campaign of 26/11 provided massive platform publicity against the terror tactics of Pakistan. To take the world on board, India had shared immense data in the form of Technical Intelligence (Techint). If you look back, the data derived from CCTV footage is not even counts 1% of it. The intelligence agencies could activate the TechInt facilities only due to the prolonged nature of 26/11. Had it been yet another suicide attempt or an incident of much shorter duration, we would have been a laughing stock in front of world community and Pakistan would be celebrating as usual.
11. The law must unambiguously state that the individual organisations and the individuals are equally responsible for ensuring their protection. The police is not responsible for a burglary at your house for your mistake of sleeping with your doors wide opened. Also today, the insurance tribunals have realised that the insurance companies are not responsible for the accidental deaths occurring due to the absence of seat belts and helmets. It must become the basic duty of every citizen to aid the police and the investigative agencies in providing the much required deterrence and the evidence. Towards this, they must setup necessary security infrastructure like CCTV, access control systems, alarms and barriers etc at their expenditure. The police should not be blamed for any incidence happening at places like Hotels, Malls, Resorts, Pubs, Religious places and Pilgrim sites. Similarly, police must ask for certified security arrangements, prior giving permissions to Political gatherings and other public rallies or meetings. The law enforcement agencies will make use of the TechInt data from these security installations to bring the culprits to justice faster than ever.
12. The major hotels, shops and malls hosting international clients and tourists are required to have certified security installations that are mandatorily published in advertisement and company brochures. This will require certifying their ability to maintain proper security levels when scouting for international clients. This must not remain as mere legal requirement but must become a factor for companies to compete on and grow businesses. A “secure and reliable” environment—defined by popular legal framework is an imperative for the growth and future success of the nation. That means following best practices, getting procedures audited by independent parties and making sure that these procedures are up to date and are being closely followed.
13. We expect these efforts will eventually not only assist in foiling any terrorist misadventures, but also will pay off in timely apprehension, trial and severe prison terms for the culprits. Also, as a win-win case, this will considerably reduce the workload and the consequential stress among police machinery. We are also convinced that the innovative suggestions we are offering would have the ability to limit the damage and manage the consequences should such an attack occur more professionally and effectively.
14. Boom for Business. The terror attacks on Mumbai and increasing security concerns world over, spell boom time for at least one industry in a time of global meltdown - the business of security solutions, which consists of hiring security men, but also, consultancy on creation of secure environment, setting up of automated technology controls (CCTVs, Access controls, remote barriers etc) Risk analysis on existing arrangement, security grading or certification. This will further give rise to markets for security items and increased job opportunities.
15. Even the top notched corporate houses hardly allocate 2-3 percent of their budget on security even after India remains as a soft target for terror attacks. A recent survey has indicated that only 10 percent of corporate houses in India have proper security arrangements. Even top hotels, including the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel and Trident Hotel, do not have X-ray machines to screen bags. But they don't mind spending on interior decoration. However, after the terror attacks that left over 172 people dead in Mumbai, corporate houses have woken up to this new reality, a development that has enthused those engaged in the security business.
16. Today, there is a mad rush to secure the environment/infrastructure; they brought whatever was available at a high premium in a rush. Professionally speaking, there is a set of basic guidelines such as :-
- Study the existing arrangement
- Undertake a vulnerability analysis
- Undertake a cost benefit analysis
- Calculate its RoI vs its possible alternates
- Undertake a QA
- Carryout a check audit to prove its efficacy and further shortcoming
17. Assocham estimates, even at the time of recession and ‘Pink Slips”, over 200,000 security professionals would be required at various industrial installations alone over the next few years. Apart from volumes, we expect major upgrades to more intricate and enmeshed security designs in the future.
18. Successful public-private partnerships also can displace and isolate terrorist efforts; they discredit the terrorist ideology, and empower alternatives to extremism. By addressing the isolation and desperation that terrorists exploit for their own benefit, economic empowerment will strike directly at terrorist recruitment efforts. Looking even forward, public-private partnerships can help wean at-risk populations away from subversive manipulation by creating mechanisms to address needs and grievances. With a brighter economic future and legitimate channels for airing grievances, these trusted networks can provide a way out for those who are radicalized.
19. To meet the modern-day security challenges, we need a new proactive and more systematic approach with the wider participation of general public. There is a need to reinforce the mission of the enforcement and investigative agencies charged with roles in defeating terrorism. The essential point in this Strategy is that every organisation, establishment and enterprise must contribute towards closely in on every security menaces and fighting terrorism. Amongst other things, this cooperation entails participation by private on terms which are an offer they cannot refuse. These efforts must codify, clarify and unify the wide ranging of counter-terrorism activities such as investigations, forensics, apprehension, prosecution of terrorists, enhancing response capabilities more effectively.
18. Successful public-private partnerships also can displace and isolate terrorist efforts; they discredit the terrorist ideology, and empower alternatives to extremism. By addressing the isolation and desperation that terrorists exploit for their own benefit, economic empowerment will strike directly at terrorist recruitment efforts. Looking even forward, public-private partnerships can help wean at-risk populations away from subversive manipulation by creating mechanisms to address needs and grievances. With a brighter economic future and legitimate channels for airing grievances, these trusted networks can provide a way out for those who are radicalized.
19. To meet the modern-day security challenges, we need a new proactive and more systematic approach with the wider participation of general public. There is a need to reinforce the mission of the enforcement and investigative agencies charged with roles in defeating terrorism. The essential point in this Strategy is that every organisation, establishment and enterprise must contribute towards closely in on every security menaces and fighting terrorism. Amongst other things, this cooperation entails participation by private on terms which are an offer they cannot refuse. These efforts must codify, clarify and unify the wide ranging of counter-terrorism activities such as investigations, forensics, apprehension, prosecution of terrorists, enhancing response capabilities more effectively.
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