In a programme organised by the Bombay First in collaboration with London First at Trident-Oberoi on Friday, a delegate of security experts from London and New York discussed the strategies to organise structured programmes, mobilise international expertise, sensitise opinion of leaders and politicians and create public awareness on safety measures.

Brett Lovegrove, former head of counter-terrorism, City of London Police, stressed the importance of setting up a review team, better communication media and sustained partnership between public and private enterprises. “After any disaster— be it man-made or natural — it is very important to set up a comprehensive review team comprising polity, bureaucracy and law-making authorities to investigate what helped and what did not help during the disaster. This is the first step to be taken,” said Lovegrove.

Stressing the need to have a sophisticated communication system in place comprising radio and satellite communication devices, Lovegrove said, “During the 7/7 attacks, we received updates from all quarters. We made the common people participate in the rescue operations. We asked them to update our police with any kind of information and vice-versa. The civilians should never be kept in the dark.”

Claiming that political leaders will not only face flak, but also may lose their seats, Deputy Mayor of London Richard Barnes said that the politicians should be seen and heard during the disasters. “At the end of the day, politicians are answerable to the people. Back in London, if they don’t appear during the crisis hours, they will simply lose seat. The civilians should also make sure that they do the work that has been assigned to them,” said Barnes.

Barnes also opined that the government should recognise the bravery of the forces that fought on the line of fire, but at the same time should not shrink their responsibilities. “The government should not hide behind police heroism. They should answer the questions on security raised before them,” Barnes said.

While the foreign experts opined that there is a need for improved communication system, Indian experts pointed out that root political causes cannot be ignored. Stating that the US and the UK put self-defence measures into practice so that they can save themselves from the attacks in future, General Satish Nambiar said, “The international community’s definition of war on terror is ambiguous. Our situation is not as same as 7/7 or 9/11. We need to deliberate on ethnic, political and societal issues before addressing the war on terror.”