By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Even as the demand for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system gains momentum in the State, Subimal Bhattacharjee, India’s country head for General Dynamics International Corporation, has termed the tool as an ‘outdated mechanism’ to tackle influx of illegal migrants.
“I feel the ILP is an outdated mechanism and people of the same nation should be allowed to move freely across the country. But the final call lies with the decision-makers,” Bhattacharjee said while delivering a lecture at a workshop on cyber security in the context of North East organised by the Media Club in collaboration with IQAC, St Anthony’s College, here on Tuesday.
Bhattacharjee is a widely recognized expert on critical infrastructure protection and cyber security. He has also been a member of key governmental advisory panels and industry task forces.
Admitting that influx is a major concern in North East, Bhattacharjee said the problem can be tackled through various mechanisms provided the entry of genuine citizens of the country is not barred.
The General Dynamics country head also pointed out that connectivity is a bigger problem in the region.
Taking note of the increasing trend of cyber crimes across North East, Bhattacharjee said that as the region shares its boundary with neighbouring countries, the influx of ideas could pose a serious threat to the nation.
He said “There are ways to tackle influx of people but it is very difficult to keep track of influx of ideas”.
On cyber growth in the context of North East, Bhattacharjee said the growth of cyber activities in the region is much faster than in other parts of the country.
However, he advised that “more focus should be laid on capacity-oriented services, faster connectivity and quality of service.”
He also informed that the Centre has earmarked some grants for cyber security in the region. The same is sanctioned to various organizations and groups to conduct research on cyber security in North East which is vulnerable to cyber attacks from the neighbouring countries.
Bhattacharjee also informed that the government has impressed upon the need to impart education on cyber space to school students to familiarise them with the advantages and disadvantages of cyber activities.
It may be mentioned that General Dynamics is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat vehicles and systems armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and mission – critical information systems and technologies.