TERRORISM Probe agencies want single anti-terror mechanism... NEW DELHI: Investigating agencies have recommended the setting up of a central anti-terror mechanism placing intelligence and investigation wings under a single command for more coordinated action against emerging internal security challenges. The Union Home Ministry has received a proposal that such a unified body, encompassing the intelligence gathering, analysis and dissemination wing; forensic divisions; and investigation and prosecution wings, be created through an executive order. The Central Bureau of Investigation was also set up in the same manner under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act. It has been suggested that the Multi Agency Centre and the operations wings of the Intelligence Bureau, other than those dealing with political intelligence, be brought under the new setup. “However, many IB officers have expressed reservations about such a mechanism. They also have concerns about the safety and security of field officers and the secrecy of covert operations,” said a senior official. Arguing for insulating the intelligence wing from any vulnerability under the proposed single command, some security experts said all the divisions could function independently. “In fact, we need such a mechanism, as investigations into cases of Left-wing extremism are altogether different from those involving outfits like the Indian Mujahideen. We need dedicated units to pursue specific areas,” an official said. Even the National Investigation Agency, which has statutory powers under the NIA Act to probe terrorism cases either with the consent of the State governments or on the direction of the Union Home Ministry, can be brought in as the investigation and prosecution wing. It was after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack that the then Home Minister, P. Chidambaram, suggested setting up of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), on the lines of the one in the United States and the British Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, for coordinated counter-terror operations. However, concerned that such an agency could well be abused by the Centre for political ends, many Chief Ministers struck down the idea primarily because the unit was to function under the Intelligence Bureau and, unlike the U.S. agency, it would be empowered to conduct searches and arrests under Sections 43 and 43A of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. In 2012, the Centre came up with an office memorandum defining the functions, powers and duties of the NCTC as a single and effective point of control and coordination of all counter-terrorism measures, which would work through the existing agencies in the country. (The Hindu 1/1/15)
Posted on: Fri, 23 Jan 2015 01:13:01 +0000
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