Place ‘grid’ tech along LoC, use local cops: Committee

Place ‘grid’ tech along LoC, use local cops: Committee
Formed after Pathankot attack, panel led by former home secy warns against dependence only on frontier fences.

IN NEW DELHI If all goes well, then the Centre will likely implement scientific technology to heighten vigilance on the frontiers, as per recommendations of a high-powered committee. The panel headed by former Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta has suggested a complex “grid” at the Indo-Pakistan borders where technology and local police should be roped in, rather than depending entirely on fencing. The committee that was set up following the January terror attack on Pathankot air base gave a presentation to Home Minister Rajnath Singh last week.

In its report, the committee pointed out that a “linear infrastructure” of fences and force deployment is not enough to deter infiltration. It suggested a complex grid which has elements of surveillance, active participation of local police for intelligence collection, technological tools and better co-ordination with narcotics control bureau.

According to a source privy to the report, Gupta has argued the need for fresh threat perception analysis. For example, attackers in case of both a police station in Dina Nagar and Pathankot crossed over from the same riverine route on the international border. Dina Nagar was attacked by three-men on 27 July while four men stormed in Pathankot Air Base in January this year.

The committee has noted that fencing is no more a deterrent and emphasis should shift to other forms of security. It pointed out that the local police who are well versed with the terrain and language will be better equipped to develop an intelligence base that BSF which has men from all parts of India. Similarly, it has also argued that force deployment alone is not sufficient to guard the borders.