Author: Rajesh Kumar
Publication: The Pioneer
Date: January 10, 2008
Chief Ministers and VVIPs are now on the hit
list of Jihadis operating across the country. According to an advisory sent
out by National Security Advisor MK Narayanan to Chief Ministers and DGPs, a
fresh review of security has been sought as inputs have been received which
point to Jihadis using "new wave tactics" to eliminate targets.
The letter has been written after the assassination
of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Although Narayanan has not
described the term "new wave tactics", he has warned about the emerging
threat posed by the new tactics adopted by various Jihadi outfits. "Prominent
political personalities were now among their prime targets," the note said.
Of late, more Jihadi outfits are using sophisticated
techniques than it used to be in the past. "They are now engaged in a great
deal of planning before carrying out an attack. This included studying the habits
and attitudes and day-to-day activities of their targets. Their areas of vulnerability
and the weaknesses in the security system around them. The assassination of
Benazir Bhutto is a classic example of how this technique can and has been employed,"
the advisory said.
Ajai Sahani of Institute of Conflict Management
told The Pioneer that new wave tactics could be anything. Sources in the Ministry
of Home Affairs said that "new wave tactics" could also be the use
of a short pulse laser that can be directed at a target with ferocious intensity.
The gun is available in lethal and non-lethal versions. "The laser induced
plasma channel directed weapon is a special kind of laser that speeds up the
discharge and precisely control where the manmade lightning goes. The gun uses
massive quantities of electricity rather than gunpowder to propel non-explosive
projectiles at incredible speeds," the source said. There has been a reference
to the laser being used in the assassination of Bhutto.
Besides, the "new wave tactics" mean
involving more educated women in the terror outfits which helps to carry out
reconnaissance of the habits and attitudes of their targets.
Narayanan stated that both Prime Minister and
Home Minister have requested that in the light of the latest assessment, security
need to be tightened all round including that of Chief Ministers and other key
political leaders. It has recommended that the personal security of Chief Ministers
and other senior politicians need to be instantly reviewed. "They should
be further strengthened wherever necessary, weakness in the security system
should be identified and properly plugged where necessary. Leaders should be
persuaded not to take unnecessary or uncalled for risks and urged to adhere
to norms to establish fool proof security," said the note.
