US successfully averted 39 terror attacks after 9/11. How?

Anil Narendra

Hyderabad bomb blasts have once again proved that in our country, neither the intelligence network is strong nor there is an agency, who could independently work to counter terrorism. There is lack of coordination among various agencies and that is the reason that even with intelligence input, we are unable to stop terror strikes. Jay Panda, a BJD MP has tweeted that 15 States had demanded a counter-terrorism agency, which could act only as a coordinator like such agencies in America and Britain and not take action. The American NCTC is involved in strategic planning and collation of information. Investigation and arrest are not within its jurisdiction. In Britain, Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) collates and analyses intelligence inputs. The US has been able to successfully avert 39 terror attacks after 9/11. About 20 conspiracies of terror strikes in cities like Washington DC and New Jersey were foiled well in time. All this was made possible with the help of ever-alert intelligence network and on-line surveillance system. It may be mentioned that in 35 out of 39 cases, security agencies were able to detect the conspiracies in the initial stages and successful averted loss of lives and property. But, in India, there were 11 terrorist attacks in various cities after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks taking a toll of more than 60 lives. There could neither a consensus on the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) nor further progress in the establishment of National Intelligence Grid (Net Grid) to facilitate on-line information sharing. The delay in constituting these agencies proved handicap for the security agencies and they could not reach the terror masterminds like David Hadley, who had conducted recce before the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The constitution of both these agencies is facing political hurdles. After the 9/11 New York and Washington attacks, New York city was saved from 11 terror strikes, whereas five such attacks in Washington DC, four in New Jersey town, five attacks at blowing aircrafts and airports and 9 aimed at other targets were foiled by the security agencies. We should take a lesson from the US and Britain. Situation in our country is so bad that the main source of intelligence gathering is being ignored. The intelligence network or the Government is not at all interested in seeking cooperation of police constable, informers and common man. This is the reason that in spite of having prior warning about terror attempts in Hyderabad, the security agencies failed to foil such attempt. It is clear that the constable, who is the main source of gathering intelligence, is not associated with the counter terrorism campaigns. Also, no effort is made to gather intelligence from the common man. A constable is considered to be most important source of intelligence, because he mingles with public in public transport, markets, cinemas, tea stalls and even he shares public toilets with the common man. There is another important development also and that is neglecting informers. The informer system is being almost ignored. The intelligence agencies want to seek intelligence about terror activities from informers by just doling out 5-7 hundred rupees. Big agencies like IB do spend larger amounts on information gathering through informers, but the State Police outfits do not do much for intelligence gathering. Para military forces are no better in this regard. In sensitive areas like Kashmir, intelligence is sought for just a bottle of liquor, food and 200-400 rupees. If an informer is to be paid four of five thousand rupees, then the case is referred to the Headquarters for sanction. The information provided by an ordinary constable is not considered worthwhile. An ordinary constable is kept away from intelligence unit. Whereas, in America, Britain and other European countries including Germany, a constable is considered to be the most reliable source of intelligence. He or she is not only given hefty cash awards, but also gets promotion. Next important source of intelligence is informer. This main source of intelligence has been widely been used in the US after the 9/11. As a result, major successes ranging from the death of Osama bin Laden to averting major terror attacks, have been achieved in America. In our country, we think that we will not be able to stop such terror strikes, till we do not give due priority and direction to the counter terrorism campaign and do not strengthen our intelligence network.