Plug The Loopholes: Ten years after 26/11 big gaps remain in coastal security

With today marking the 10th anniversary of the 26/11 terrorist attack on Mumbai that saw 10 Pakistani terrorists wreak havoc on India’s financial capital and kill 168 people, a stock taking of India’s security preparedness paints a mixed picture. The Pakistani terrorists had come in from the sea in what was a massive breach of India’s coastal security. Subsequently, efforts were made to upgrade coastal defences. However, a recent CAG report reveals that a large number of the projects are still hanging fire with only a fraction of the funds allocated utilised.

This is truly worrisome. Ten years after the attack, India should be looking at a tight, multi-tiered security mechanism for the country’s coastlines. Instead, we are grappling with delays in infrastructure and manpower shortages. Plus, it also appears that the different maritime agencies are not quite on the same page. The remedy lies in creating a permanent National Maritime Authority to coordinate between the navy, coast guard and marine police.

However, a coastal security bill to form such a body has been stuck in red tape since 2013. That said, there have been some improvements like frequent exercises between the navy, coast guard and customs. Additionally, the fishing community has been roped in as the eyes and ears of the security establishment. This is a far cry from 26/11 when the Mumbai police did not even know the location of the Chabad House where Israeli inmates were killed by the terrorists. Yet, facts such as 75 out of 227 minor ports having no security at all is worrisome. This 26/11 anniversary, efforts must be doubled to plug the loopholes in our security architecture.

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