Letters: Localise CMG

With reference to the timely editorial, "After Pathankot" (January 12), the terrorist attack on the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot on January 2 speaks volumes about our security system and the coordination among the security agencies, which were involved in the counter-terror operation. The multiplicity of security agencies likely complicated the task of a quick "neutralisation" of the terrorists.

However, the biggest concern was the number of terrorists who managed to sneak into the key air force base near the Indian border with Pakistan despite specific input with the Intelligence Bureau.

Our TRP-savvy news channels also contributed in messing up the situation by repeatedly broadcasting "breaking news", which were mostly unverified reports even as the counter-terror operation was on. One wishes the government agency in charge of monitoring the media had acted swiftly to salvage the situation.

The "who did what" and "who didn't do all that was required" aspects of the operation will catch the attention of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is conducting a post-mortem on the security lapses. The NIA must also look into the role played by the Crisis Management Group (CMG). The country cannot afford to ignore the tactical errors it might have committed while assessing the gravity of the terror threat and later, while taking remedial steps.

The editorial justifiably says that had the CMG been the focal body for decision-making on the Pathankot attack -instead of the multiple security agencies - questions of accountability and responsibility would have been easier to tackle. The government must now judiciously assign responsibility and accountability.

It would be naive to expect Pakistan to mend its ways. But India should not be caught napping any more. Let us also ponder over the possibility of having localised CMG at risk-prone areas.

Kumar Gupt Panchkula

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