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The whole world watched Mumbai being attacked by terrorists last week. Today, there is hardly any part of the country that is not feeling vulnerable. Deendayal Vaidya and G V Skaria sought experts’ opinions on where Pune stands on the terror radar and what can be done to safeguard it

Keep a ‘Neighbourhood Watch’

The impetus to prevent an assault similar to the one which rocked the financial capital of the country, lies with the government; it is they who control the police, law enforcement agencies and intelligence set-up.

But it is imperative for the general populace to act as policemen for their own and society’s interest. Citizens must form carefully calibrated ‘Neighbourhood Watches,’ and form a habit to inquire about things happening in the society without intruding into the privacy of others. This move will help the police and other agencies to concentrate on other larges areas of concern. Through ‘Neighbourhood Watches,’ any alert citizen can inform the police or competent authorities of suspected persons or movement of things, giving little time or scope for hostile elements to act.

Consolidate intelligence network

Strengthening of intelligence network at all levels and an increased police patrolling are solutions to avert a Mumbai-type terror strike in the city. Apart from consolidating intelligence gathering at various levels, it is imperative for the police to patrol at regular intervals and set up pickets in areas of vulnerability or specific targets.

Considering the fact that Pune is home to several vital defence installations and research centres, selection of people in intelligence gathering is of paramount importance.

Correspondingly, the administration has to impart specific anti-terror training to police officials in order to to help them gauge a situation before it turns into a colossal tragedy.

And to neutralise the magnitude of a terror strike of any nature in Pune, an integrated counter-terror mechanism has to be set up comprising of the city police, defence authorities and other states' and Central agencies.

Timely action on intelligence updates and creating a database of such updates will also help law agencies to combat any surprise hostilities from non-state actors in the long run.

Motivate the force

The morale of the police force has taken a heavy beating due to the incessant terror attacks and our failure to thwart them.

As far as Pune is concerned, it could be a possible terror target. City police need to get their act together and galvanise various security agencies in the city. We have Civil Defence Force (Nagari Sanrakshan Dal) along with Home Guards and State Reserve Police Force stationed in and around city. But it needs a major overhauling. When these units were raised, terrorism was not a major menace. Now that it has become so, a review of the roles of these units is necessary. The police have specialised units to train personnel in commando training. These units need to be strengthened.

A three-pronged strategy has to be followed which will include fitstly, minimising political interference. The Anti Money Laundering Act, which aimed to prevent funding to terrorism has been diluted by a 2005 amendment. This has made some offences as non-cognizable. It has to be immediately corrected. The Conspiracy Act should be amended to severely punish those who directly or indirectly help disruptive acts. Strengthening policies at top level and galvanising forces at ground level can only make our future safe.

Citizens, be vigilant

Pune city is vulnerable to terror attacks, as it has become a centre of rapid progress in all sectors. The first and the most crucial lesson to be learnt from 26/11 is that now common people must be more vigilant. Crowded places like hotels, malls, multiplexes and temples should upgrade their security as the police have limitations in manning private places.

No city can be fortified to the extent to prevent infiltration of terrorists. Hence vigilance is the only way in which the police can prevent terrorist acts.

They should take a thorough review of the control room and also the patrolling vehicles. These are the eyes and ears of the police force. Messages at the control room must be flashed to patrolling vans and every call should be dealt with seriously. Rigorous patrolling can possibly thwart the infiltration of terrorists.

Pune has a strong presence of army and even has an air force station. A fine coordination between the military forces and the police is of paramount importance as it can reduce response time in case of an emergency. Preparedness of fire brigade in terms of vehicles, manpower and equipment should be on the priority list of the government.
Use of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) is a perpetual threat. Efficiency of Bomb Disposal Squads of Police and Southern Command is vital. And most importantly, the vigilance mode of security agencies and common people should not diminish after a few months.
http://www.sakaaltimes.com/2008/12/03125224/Can-Pune-be-the-next-target....