To prevent future 26/11-like terror attacks in the country, the Centre has set up a task force comprising experts from the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and the Army to review processes, procedures and practices in the national security system.
The task force, to be headed by former cabinet secretary Naresh Chandra, will have former Mumbai Police chief D. Sivanandan as one of its members.
Sivanandan, who is known for preparing the draft of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), had investigated the IC 814 Kandahar hijack links in Mumbai. He is seen as one of the most successful police officers in Maharashtra when it comes to dealing with the underworld in Mumbai. During his tenure, Mumbai witnessed the maximum encounters with underworld gangsters.
Besides reviewing the existing system in the national security, the task force will also suggest measures necessary for strengthening of the national security apparatus, particularly in non-conventional areas such as bio-chemical attack.
Sources said the decision was taken due to persisting threats of terror attacks in the country.
The task force will also suggest ways for a quick response and better co-ordination among security agencies in case of attacks. The government faced severe criticism for alleged delay in dispatching the team of National Security Guard commandos from Manesar (Haryana) to Mumbai and for not having an airlifting facility directly from Manesar for the commandos.
The task force will also comprise former IB chief PC Haldar, former R&AW chief KC Verma, Admiral Arun Prakash, Air Chief Marshal (Retd) S Krishnaswamy, Lt Gen (Retd) VR Raghavan, Brajeshwar Singh, former Home Secretary Vinod K. Duggal, former diplomat G Parthasarthy, former Atomic Energy Commission chief Anil Kakodkar, National Investigation Agency chief RV Raju, economist Suman K Bery and Manoj Joshi.
