The 26/11 Mumbai terror attack marked a significant occurrence in the history of terrorism in India. At the heart of India’s financial capital, Mumbai, this audacious terror attack took place on November 26, 2008. The true scale of the devastation became apparent as multiple places were attacked simultaneously by Pakistan-based terror outfits, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). These horrendous events triggered several changes and initiatives from the Indian government to bolster the country’s security apparatus.
Government Initiatives Post 26/11 Attacks
Recognizing the urgency to improve India’s security measures, the government launched several initiatives in the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks. This episode shook the nation and made everyone realise the necessity for effective and stringent security protocols.
The government prioritized coastal security, enabling the Navy, Coast Guard, and marine police to enhance protection along India’s extensive coastline. A specialised agency, called the National Investigation Agency, began operations in January 2009 with a specific purpose to tackle terrorist offences.
Another strategic measure taken was the establishment of the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID). This initiative aimed to compile a comprehensive database of security-related information, aiding intelligence operations across the country.
The government also escalated the functionality of four new operational hubs for the National Security Guard. This step was taken to ensure a rapid response to any future terror attacks.
Under the auspices of the Intelligence Bureau, the Multi-Agency Centre’s activities were expanded and further strengthened, enhancing intelligence sharing among various agencies.
Lastly, in an effort to reinforce surveillance along India’s extended coastline, the Navy established the Joint Operations Centre.
| Initiative | Function |
|---|---|
| National Investigation Agency | Deal with terrorist offences |
| National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) | Create a database of security-related information |
| Navy’s Joint Operations Centre | Keep vigilant watch over Indian coastline |
The Way Forward: Addressing The Threat Of Terrorism
Despite the aforementioned initiatives, terrorism continues to pose a significant threat. With its evolving methodologies and global franchise, the terrorist threat has potentially risen to greater levels.
To combat this, it is crucial to speed up the installation of automatic identification systems in fishing boats. Coastal states need to strengthen their marine police forces significantly.
Air and coastal sea patrols should also be conducted on a regular basis. Since seas lack checkpoints or perimeter fencing, sanitizing them can prove to be challenging. Hence, unity of command and control is of paramount importance for effective maritime security.
The possibility of repeated episodes akin to the Mumbai attacks remains debatable, yet discounting such occurrences would be premature. India, therefore, needs to further tighten its preparedness to cope with similar situations, constantly evolving its strategies in line with changing terror tactics.
