Cross-border terrorism is biggest security threat: Ficci

A task force set up by the the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries (Ficci) had recently submitted a report on National Security and Terrorism to the Union Home Ministry expressing deep concern to the extent to which a pattern of contemporary jihad and homegrown terrorism has manifested itself in India.

According to the Ficci report the biggest external threat emanates from ongoing cross-border jihadi terrorism, supported by ISI and Pakistan-based Islamist fundamentalist organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. The report also reflects on how threats from Bangladesh, and through other porous borders, has assumed serious dimensions.

The report made following recommendations to counter the threats:
* Leverage international cooperation by co-opting foreign expertise for developing capacity, monitoring movements of terrorist leaders

* Develop capabilities for covert and overt operations on terrorist locations

* Have a common investigation cell for entire India rather than piecemeal investigation

* Put in place calibrated and well defined decision-making process and ensure accountability at various levels

* Put in place strong ‘Immediate Response’ mechanism and tailor-made terrorism prevention and incident management drills for each metro city.

* Undertake vulnerability assessment to identify areas and establishments requiring necessary security measures.

* Incorporate private sector and civil society into India’s war on terror.

Releasing the report Ficci Task Force on National Security and Terrorism Chairman Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, “The objective of this report is to help the Government enhance and augment the nation’s internal security. The report projects a broad vision and recommendations on counter-terrorism measures for the Central Government’s consideration. It calls for the government to undertake viable and implementable solutions to the multiple and complex security challenges that India confronts today.”