The best weapon which can be used to counter terrorism is intelligence. No other device or weapon can be as useful as intelligence can be. Unfortunately, the machinery which is with the states is not strong enough to collect the intelligence. Their Special Branches and the CID are not fully manned, and provided with modern devices. It is, therefore, necessary to strengthen them without delay.
The Union intelligence agencies are stronger and better equipped. But, they also need be strengthened further. Steps are being taken to strengthen them.
The states and the Union help one another in sharing intelligence. What is given by the Union to the states is not always of operational nature. Sometimes misunderstanding develops when such matters are discussed publicly. In fact, the terrorists choose the time and place of their choice to attack.
The operational intelligence is not always easy to obtain. However, it is necessary to develop the capability for this purpose.
It is seen that terrorists live in one state, perpetrate terror in another state and hide themselves in other states or countries. They can be prevented from perpetrating terror by investigating crimes committed by them without delay, and in an effective manner. If necessary, a central agency for this purpose can be created by amending laws. Such a central agency need not be allowed to take charge of ordinary criminal cases. It can be permitted to act in special kinds of cases, with the approval of some bodies, created to decide which cases should be tackled by it. For this purpose, the cooperation of the states would be needed.
The Union government would definitely help the investigating agencies to do their duties in the best possible manner, without jeopardising liberty, life and property of the innocent.
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In J&K, the situation has improved a great deal. It has happened because of the policies of the Union and the state governments, the efforts of the state police, paramilitary forces, the military, the people and the fence erected on the borders between India and our western neighbour. It is also because of the fatigue developing in the minds and hearts of the persons responsible for bloodshed and destruction.
At the national level, we have tried to pay attention to policy-making and developing systems to achieve the objective of controlling terrorism and helping the states to deal with the incidents and individuals according to their perceptions and assessments. We have issued directions and given suggestions according to the constitutional provisions and laws and rules, only to see that no aberrations in these matters are allowed to occur and no injustice is done to any section of the society. We have tried to understand the difficulties of those in the states and in the fields and to help them with funds, intelligence, equipment and such other things, which we would continue to do in future also.
Our approach of this nature should not be wrongly interpreted as dictatorial or being soft on terror, for it is nothing but balanced and just, legal and constitutional, and helpful to the Union and the states, and the innocent individuals and the country as a whole. Our efforts have been to help one and all, at all levels, be it the international, national or state levels. This policy will continue in future also.
Terrorism needs to be tackled by using a multi-pronged approach. Police forces can help. But other methods to deal with it are also required. Less developed areas should be better developed. People should be helped to live better lives. No social, cultural, political and economic injustice should be done to any individual or section of the society.
(Excerpts from Home Minister Shivraj Patil’s speech to Director Generals and Inspector Generals of Police in New Delhi on November 22)