It has been nine years since Mumbai civilians got intimidated by ten terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), who took the sea route to reach their destination and shocked the whole city through a series of bombings and shooting which lasted for four days.
Many have mourned the victims of 26/11 on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
However, we are left with the question – what are the steps taken by the Indian government for national security, and is India ready to combat its enemies from across the border and overseas? We know that the terrorists took the boats from fishermen. So let’s turn our attention towards the coastal security of the country.
Coastal Security Scheme
The Phase-1 of this scheme lasted from 2005-2011. It added several physical assets, including patrol boats, patrol vessels, 46 coastal surveillance radar and electro-optic sensors. Seventy four coastal police stations were set up.
Phase-2 was started from April 2011. It includes construction of police stations, procurement of boats, jetties, four-wheelers, motor cycles. The Defence Acquisition Council approved 38 additional radar systems.
The allotment and procurement for the assets is showing its effects, but more can be done in order to tighten security. The coordination among cyber-security system officials – which includes marine police officers, coast guards and navy officers – should be given utmost importance.
Apart from this, the Department Of Fisheries and the Department Of Custom should also should also be included in this system of security. Even the fishermen can be consulted about any probable insurgent activity in the sea. They should directly coordinate with coastal security officials, so that quick alerts regarding any suspicious activity can lead to the officials taking quick action.
Modernisation of the infantry can be considered a revolutionary step by the Indian government. Light machine guns, battle carbines and assault rifles are being purchased at nearly ₹40,000 crore to replace obsolete weapons.
Also, for aerial attacks, the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile has increased its range, from 290 km to 450 km. This range can also increase to 600 km in the future. This will lead to BrahMos becoming the world’s fastest cruise missile.
It’s quite good that we are improving technology for security and also focusing on digitalisation. The government should take some legislative steps to increase the market of digital security. Our Prime Minister, through a moving speech, can also help encourage young entrepreneurs. Also, to ensure optimal use of resources and prevent the duplication of assets – a problem raised Vice-Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal S.B. Deo – prominent measures should be taken, so that after spending thousands of crores, we will not face a lack of budgets.