Ups and Downs in Security

The two great pieces of news for the month of August, 2005, were: the safe landing of “Discovery” and the discovery of the 10th planet in the solar system. Human civilization will survive!

White Aceh rebels in Indonesia have followed the suit of the IRA, Iraq remained the focal point of the “war on terrorism”. But the assassination of the SriLankan Foreign Minister in Colombo was the high-water mark of the month of August. Reports also suggest Al Queda seeking new pastures in the Balkans as well as in Africa. 400 blasts in 30 minutes all over Bangladesh could possibly the curtain-raiser for a bigger drama to be duly unfolded.

The internal security scenario in Nepal and India continued to be vitiated by the Maoist extremists. If not arrested in time, a grave threat of considerable security implications may emerge from the large scale, and what seems to be planned, circulation of fake currency in India with operational bases in neighbouring countries.

The Indian policing system has been showing substantial improvement in application of science and technology in work as also in the field of communication. Spycams have been envisaged covering forest areas. The Delhi Police has once again issued a very detailed Advisory touching on how to react to terrorist threat situations. Kudos to them for such sustained attempt at educating the members of the public! The ‘top ten guidelines’ for good security practice, received from a distinguished friend, are worth taking due note of by one and all.

While in the wake of London bombing of July, private security agencies and consultants in the UK are being cornered by the Police, there have been developments of great import in this field in India. Leaders of private security agencies have geared up and mobilized fellow professionals for brainstorming exercises over what suggestions could be offered to the government of India in the framing of central rules following the historic enactment of the Act for Regulation of Private Security Agencies in June this year. This has indeed been a very healthy development and the storm-troopers deserve highest commendation and appreciation of all. IISSM had put in its efforts in the past. It extends full moral support and prays for enough strength in the sinews and elbows of the leaders in the profession.

And, do not miss the news of road-map for Euro-English and beware robots replacing human services at a fast space. Please read on the General Information File.

D. C. Nath, IPS (Retd.)
Former Special Director, IB (MHA), Govt. of India
Editor-cum-Executive President & CEO
International Institute of Security and Safety Management
New Delhi, India