A task force of experts set up by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) after the 26/11 attack has called for a ministry dedicated to internal security.
The task force, comprising former chiefs of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), National Security Guard and the air force as well as former officials of the army and the Research & Analysis Wing, has also called for a new intelligence agency dedicated to non-state actors.
“Unless drastic measures are taken, there can be no assurance that India will be able to prevent the next major terrorist attack, and (no way) to reassure the global investor about the India-rising story,” said its report released in Delhi on Sunday.
The task force’s chairman and immediate past president of Ficci, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, said: “The time for platitudes and rhetoric is long gone.” Former IB chief Ajit Doval disagreed with the view that the system was by and large good and needed only some changes. “We are quite prepared for yesterday’s war, but I am not really sure if we are ready for tomorrow’s battle,” he said.
Former air force chief Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy said, “Can it happen again? Yes it can. If it happens how well are we going to respond? I have my doubts.”
