THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as several youngsters from the state are getting involved in terrorism-related activities, the long-standing decision to set up a dedicated anti-terrorism squad is stuck on paper.
In 2010, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, the then Home Minister, had promised a specialised squad in the state to curb such activities. His promise followed the then Governor R S Gavai’s policy address as several youths were being arrested in terrorism-related cases. However, nothing has moved forward even after seven years. On the other hand, the terror network is gaining a foothold in the form of IS recruitment and Maoist-related activities.
The government, apparently, has shown sheer apathy in setting up an effective mechanism to curb the menace, sources said. “The state now houses ‘sleeping cells’ of various terrorist groups and the police are ill-equipped to counter this menace,” an officer said. “Currently, a joint investigation team is functioning under the Crime Branch which has undertaken investigations into criminal cases connected to terrorism. But that is not enough to combat terrorism. Though there is Internal Security Investigation Team (ISIT) and the Centre’s NIA, a separate squad under the state government is the need of the hour.”
Meanwhile, state police chief Loknath Behera said a detailed proposal is being prepared to form a comprehensive squad soon. “There’s confusion on whether existing squads should be merged to form a bigger squad or a new dedicated team is to be set up to counter terrorism,” he said. “We have an ISIT attached to the Crime Branch and an Intelligence Wing for support.
Besides, so many views have been coming in from various quarters on whether to form a separate squad or not. So we are planning to propose a separate structure for curbing terrorism-related activities. We also need to strengthen our current structure. Once a comprehensive plan is ready, we will submit a report to the state government for further proceedings.”