In the backdrop of series of terror attacks that rocked Mumbai in the last decade, the United States has decided to include the city as part of a first of its kind initiative called Strong Cities Network. The initiative intends to focus on large metro cities and their policing when it comes to terror threats. The main aim of the Strong Cities Network is to create the first international hub to systematically strengthen strategic planning, policies and practices among local government practitioners involved in building community resilience to counter violent extremism.
Top sources in the state home department has confirmed that the event scheduled to take place on September 29 and 30 at the United Nations General Assembly regarding this will be attended by Dr Ranjit Patil, minister of state for home affairs. "We recognise that the cities around the world are developing innovative responses to the challenge of violent extremism: We must capitalise on these isolated experiences in order to share learning, pool shared resources, and build a community of cities that can inspire local action on global scale. The Strong Cities Network represents the first global network of municipal leaders and local government practitioners involved in building community resilience to counter violent extremism," reads the invite sent by the US-based Institute for Strategic Dialogue.
The need to build such a network was first highlighted at the Summit to Counter Violent Extremism held in The White House in February 2015. The Summit, which included participation of mayors and municipal leaders from around the world, underlined the critical role of local governments and their communities in challenging and building resilience to violent extremism at a local level.
Sushma lauds initiative
External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, who is currently in the Unites States, has welcomed the US initiative to invite Mumbai to join the Strong Cities Network. As per an ANI report, Swaraj said: "Terrorism is the biggest menace and also the greatest challenge. We reiterate the threat posed by al Qaeda, LeT, JeM, D company and the Haqqani Network and other regional groups." She also added that both nations will join hands on their efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
