STRENTHENING MEASURES TO ENSURING INTERNAL SECURITY, POLICE REFORMS FOR MAINTAINING LAW AND ORDER WERE SOME OF THE HIGH-LIGHTS OF THE ACTIVITIES BY THE HOME MINISTRY

DURING THE YEAR 2002

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YEAR-END REVIEW

Internal Security:

The dastardly attack on the Indian Parliament on December 13, 2001 by a group of Pakistani terrorists virtually compelled the Government to have a re-look on the security system because, had the attempt by the terrorists succeeded it would have been a blow on our democratic fabric and no body knows what tragedy it would have resulted. But the valiant effort by our security and police personnel foiled the attempt and in the process some of them sacrificed their life. The Government had to review the security system in its entirety. The passing of the Prevention Of Terrorism Act (POTA) in a Joint Session of Parliament in February, 2002 was a historic step. It was for the third time in the history of Independent India that a Joint Session was called to pass a Bill. 32 organizations engaged in terrorist activities were declared unlawful under the POTA.

Jammu & Kashmir Elections:

Successful completion of the Assembly Elections in Jammu & Kashmir in September-October. 2002 has been a major achievement. Barring some stray incidents people in large numbers in Jammu, Laddakh and the Kashmir valley cast their votes despite threat from terrorist groups. This also vindicated the Government’s earnestness to strengthen the democratic process in the troubled State of Jammu & Kashmir. The completion of the election process was hailed by several governments including the United States and Britain etc. A PDP - Congress Government took over the reigns of the State. The Union Government has declared full co-operation to the State Government to put an end to terrorism and all assistance for the economic development of the State.

Curbing ISI Activities:

The Government during the year defeated several covert action designs by the Pakistan ISI. As many as 161 ISI modules were busted and major cases detected included the exposure of L-e-T network in India, the serial bomb blast cast by the Deendar Anjuman in churches of South India etc. The terrorist attacks on the Swami Narayan Temple in Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat and the attack on the Raghunath Temple in Jammu were foiled by the NSG and security forces even though there were some casualties. These were attempts to create communal tension in the country and the incidents clearly surfaced the ugly face of terrorism actively supported by our western neighbour. There had been a communal backlash in Gujarat after the Godhra incident but timely steps by the State Government and the Centre contained the violence and prevented it to spread to other parts of the country. The Assembly Elections were successfully completed and this was incident-free where about 63% of voters cast their votes.

Security System:

A Group of Ministers had been set up during 2001 to review the National Security System in its entirety after the Kargil episode. The Group had submitted its Report detailing steps to be taken in specific areas like strengthening the Intelligent Apparatus, Internal Security Mechanism, Border Management and Defence. It is during the year 2002 that the Government started implementing the recommendations.

Police Reforms:

Police Reforms was another area, the Government had to take major decisions like enhancing Central allocation for modernizing the State police force. It is because, it is the police who directly deal with the law and order, this being a State subject. The funds released for modernizing of police force in the State was raised from Rs.200 crores to Rs.1000 crores annually. The re-imbursement of security related expenditure while dealing with insurgency in North-Eastern States was also raised. A meeting of DGPs/IGPs presided over by the Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, Shri L.K. Advani was an all important step in strengthening the police system in the country.

North-East Insurgency:

Coming to North-East, the Centre, State Government of Assam and the Bodo-Liberation Tigers agreed to further extend suspension of operations for paving the way for fruitful talks. The Centre also lifted the ban on the NSCN(I/M). The ban which expired on November 26, 2002 was not extended further.

International Terrorism:

On the external front Dy. Prime Minister, Shri L.K. Advani visited the United States, Spain, France during the period to have a first hand information of the Security Systems functioning in those countries and discuss international terrorism.

Curbing Activities of Insurgent Groups:

Home Secretary level talks with Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar were held to curb border activities (of Indian insurgent groups using the foreign soil)

Ban on LTTE:

The Ban on the LTTE was extended for another two years.

Disaster Management:

Natural hazards like cyclone, floods, drought and earthquakes have been perennial problems in different parts of the country. The National Disaster Management Control which was hitherto was with the Agriculture Ministry has been brought under the control of Home Ministry from June, 2002 to augment and reinforce its functioning. A High Power National Committee had been set up earlier to look into the matter. The Committee submitted its report and the Working Group functioning in the National Disaster Management Control held several meetings during the year to review the situation.