On this solemn anniversary, India pauses to remember the victims and heroes of the audacious 26/11 terror attacks that targeted Mumbai, the nation’s financial heart, revealing critical vulnerabilities in national security. The coordinated 2008 assault, which claimed over 160 lives, became a tragic catalyst for a pan-India security overhaul.
Pan-India Security Response and Reforms
The attacks, carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists who infiltrated via the Arabian Sea, spurred a massive recalibration of India’s counter-terrorism machinery. Key measures enacted reflect a national, unified approach:
Federal Investigation Agency: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was established as a central body to probe and prosecute terror-related cases across states, transcending jurisdictional barriers.
Rapid Response: The National Security Guard (NSG) hubs were strategically created in major cities, including Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, significantly reducing the deployment time for elite commandos. This move was crucial for states like West Bengal, with its extensive coastline and proximity to international borders, ensuring a swift response capability in the eastern region.
Coastal Security Revamp: Maritime security was drastically strengthened, placing the Indian Navy in charge of overall security and bolstering the Coast Guard and Marine Police, with a focus on monitoring India’s vast coastline.
Intelligence Sharing: The Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) for real-time intelligence sharing between central and state agencies was fortified.
Present Scenario: Enhanced Vigilance
Today, India presents a more hardened front. Coastal surveillance has improved through radar networks and tracking systems for fishing vessels. Law enforcement across the country is better equipped and trained in anti-terror operations, with a greater emphasis on counter-radicalization and cyber threat monitoring.
