Fresh from his visit to the United States for an update on anti-terrorism measures, Union home minister P Chidambaram cautioned the nation that threats from terrorist outfits such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed have not ebbed after 26/11. He said the challenge was “grave” as the groups were finding support from “local disgruntled elements”.
Face-to-face with directors-general and inspectors-general of police (DGPs and IGPs) here on Monday, Chidambaram chided them for remaining mute in the face of premature transfers of police officials by state governments.
“The state governments are continuing with old mindsets and habits as far as working of the police is concerned. Police officers have been reduced to footballs, to be kicked here and there,” he observed at the conference.
Urging DGPs to stand up and be counted, he said: “I ask you to search your hearts and answer the question, what is the average length of tenure of a district superintendent of police? What is the average length of tenure of a station house officer? Why do you remain silent when state governments make arbitrary postings? Is it not your duty, on behalf of the officers, but also on behalf of the people who you are duty-bound to protect?”
On the threat by Pakistan-trained terrorist groups, he said the outfits were looking for an opportunity to launch fresh attacks on India. Maintaining that cross-border terrorism remained a “matter of deep concern”, he also pointed to the danger posed by Maoists seeking to make common cause with insurgent groups operating in the north-east.
