Terrorism seems to have held sway during 2008, the most conspicuous manifestations of which have been operation BAD (Bangalore-Ahmadabad-Delhi) and the audacious strike in Mumbai. Each successive terrorist attack has been characterized by recklessly blatant audacity, innovative selection of targets and application of newer tactics. In the aftermath of Mumbai anti-terrorism and anti-Pakistan hysteria was raised top a crescendo, with demands raging from waging a war to undertaking clandestine surgical strikes against terrorist camps across the Line of Control in POK. Having been in uniform for over 40 years and having served in Jammu and Kashmir in varying capacity, I am convinced that both these options are very much in realm of our capability. A full-scale war of course has serious far reaching ramifications, which in the prevailing environment clearly stand out as the last resort. As against this crippling strikes against terrorist camps in POK are a completely workable option which has been considered and planned on numerous occasions in the past but always remained short of the final decision to execute. However for effective and lasting impact, we should have executed these strikes within days, if not hours of the Mumbai catastrophe. Political indecisiveness has once again resulted in the opportunity being missed. It is too late now.

The terrorist camps have decidedly been relocated and any action by us based on available intelligence will amount to hitting in the vacuum. The vital question that arises is whether we are going to take steps to prevent recurring of terrorist attacks in any part of the country (so admirably demonstrated by the Americans post 9/11), or will continue to wait, with our fingers crossed, for the next strike.

Another pertinent question is how safe are we here in Pune and is the police force geared up for such an eventuality?

My immediate and instinctive answer is NO. The Police is neither trained nor suitably equipped to deal with the situation of the magnitude of Mumbai strike. When dealing with terrorism, it is vital to understand that a terrorist enjoys the advantage of choosing his target, as also the time and method of striking it. He never fails to surprise you by adopting innovative methods. The lesson to be learnt is that instead of debating how we could or should have countered the last strike, we should intelligently anticipate as to when, where and how is he likely to strike next. Some important measures that merit consideration:

* Pune has grown five to seven fold within the last few years, with no corresponding increase or up gradation of the police force. There is a strong case for improving the Police-Population ratio and drastic up-gradation of the police capabilities.

* Undertake extensive survey of Pune city as well as peripheral areas with a view to identifying vulnerable areas and vulnerable points

* Allocate grades and corresponding priority to the vulnerable areas and provide spot security or time responsive security as applicable

* A contingent of force one which is planned to be raised by the state government should be dedicated for Pune. Elements of this contingent could be pre- located at selected points with adequate state of readiness.