By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Despite the fact that India faces numerous formidable challenges to its national security, the Government has not yet put out an official document outlining an integrated National Security Policy for the country, noted social activist and thinker Seshadri Chari said here on Friday.
Chari, who is the city as part of his nation-wide campaign to the border areas under the banner of Forum for Integrated National Security (FINS) said there is no political consensus in the country on issues relating to national security.
“With the rise of new security challenges, there is an urgent need to build a broad political consensus on national security issues because in the absence of a coherent policy, the country will continue to be subjected to various national security threats,” Chari told reporters.
Stating that the National Security Council (NSC), which has been in existence since 1999, is inefficient Chari said the Council is dominated by political leaders and departmental interests are very strong and it becomes difficult to synchronize them.
“Inspite of having the National Security Council, we still have terror attacks and this in itself signifies that the Council lacks powers to enforce anything and it is anaemic in terms of resources,” Chari said.
Commenting on response of the government in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, Chari said that after the attacks, many investigation agencies came up (about eight in number) but these agencies are separated from each other and there is no coordination.
“What the country needs is a comprehensive and an integrated security policy to tackle the terror threats to the country,” the social activist said.
When asked why the government is shying away from outlining the National Security Policy, Chari said, “One reason is because there is not enough public pressure.”
Reacting to a query on the positive effects the policy can have on issues relating to national security, Chari said, “It will at least send a strong signal to Pakistan and other countries.”