'Strong local policing, strict laws will curb terror attacks'

Strengthening policing from the grass root level, enacting tough laws and speedy trial of cases would go a long way in preventing and controlling terror attacks in the country, experts say.
Stating that the twin blasts at Dilsukhnagar here last week were not a simple matter but a proxy war, former CBI director K Vijayarama Rao laid emphasis on prevention of such attacks by strengthening local policing and intelligence gathering mechanism.
The terror attacks are often carried out with the help of some local elements, he said.
"Only certain cities in the country are often chosen as targets," he said, adding that efforts should be made to reduce the number of such targets, followed by the number of localities in a city like Hyderabad that are on the hit-list of terrorists.

Speedy investigation, hot pursuit of perpetrators of terrorists and expeditious trial of cases post any attack would act as a deterrent to the perpetrators, he said.
The confidence of the people in the system would also grow if the culprits are brought to book without delay.

Regretting that a law like Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) was allowed to lapse, Rao favoured that a tough law is needed to deal with terror cases.
Stressing that prevention is the most important thing in controlling terrorism, former Union Home Secretary K Padmanabhaiah said borders should be made foolproof and foreigners over-staying in the country should be dealt with

Highlighting the need for a tough anti-terror law like TADA, he cited the example of smuggling in narcotics coming down substantially in Mumbai after a stringent act was made. "The police should have the autonomy to function effectively without interference from any quarter," he said.
Describing terrorism as the single biggest challenge, former Andhra Pradesh DGP A K Mohanty said performance and professionalism of police should be enhanced to meet the challenges.
Noting that an extraordinary effort is needed to deal with an extraordinary situation, he said a specialised force should be set up to tackle the scourge of terrorism.

"The external factors like politicisation of the police force should be checked to ensure its effectiveness," he said.