Action Points

• Even though an exact terror event / incident cannot be predicted, its consequences can be estimated and the nature of the actions to be taken can be laid down. Both, to prevent any escalation and, to mitigate the extent of damage. Hence, lay down standard operating procedures (SOPs) that will trigger immediate response by the pre-designated authorities and forces when faced with such an event / incident. Thus, there need be no delay in awaiting orders or clearances or approvals etc.
• Delegation to act and spend appropriately should be specified down to the actual functioning units and the temptation to use ‘Hindsight’ to find fault and question the decisions of the onsite commanders should be avoided. Mistakes should be viewed only as mistakes, unless there is a clear intent of wrongdoing or malfeasance. Proper and balanced procedures for review of each operation will help improve future actions.
• Regular training and mock drills / exercises will ensure proper reaction. We must trust in our selection procedures to weed out the misfits and in our training to ensure appropriate action.
• Procedures must include methods of dealing with the Media and arranging to keep them informed and also, in seeking their assistance as may be required.
• Procedures should also, include for delivery of necessary medical and humanitarian aid and control over VIPs / Politicians movement and of setting up of relief camps and for maintaining records etc.
• Rumours and malicious false reports should be investigated and countered at the earliest.
• The Courts should be called upon to FastTrack such cases and allow the tenets of ‘beyond reasonable doubt ‘and not call for certainty. Further consideration can be left to the appeal stage.

Conclusion

Major Riots and Terrorist attacks that play over a prolonged period of time, need strong procedural responses and laid down allocation of financial and other resources. Mock drills must be conducted and proper procedures to provide Energy Medical and to keep the Media duly informed should also, be laid down.

Annexure

Major Riots/ Terrorist Attacks/ and Response Thereto;

Godhra Tragedy & Gujarat riots and response thereto – Extract from ‘Narendra Modi – The Architect of a Modern State’ by M V. Karnath & Kalindi Randeri.

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