'Attacks could not have been prevented'

MiD DAY questioned authorities for a month about their handling of the Mumbai terror attacks and measures planned to avoid such dastardly strikes. We bring you their explanations, views of some distinguished Mumbaikars and the feeling among citizens

MiD DAY questioned authorities for a month about their handling of theu00a0Mumbai terror attacks and measures planned to avoid such dastardly strikes. We bring you their explanations, views of some distinguished Mumbaikars and the feeling among citizens

1. Did the state govt have intelligence on the terror attacks of November 26?
2. What action did the state govt take on the intelligence provided?
3. Could the attacks have been handled more effectively?
4. What is the state government doing to prevent more attacks?

Why authorities could not act
Johny Joseph Chief Secretery, Maharashtra
Johny Joseph, while saying that the state did not have any 'specific' input, did say in response to the second question that whatever information the Intelligence Bureau (IB) managed to obtain was passed on directly by it to the state police for initiating action.
u00a0
Joseph once again emphasised that a lack of 'specific' information resulted in the state government being unable to 'piece' the information together and take action. Yet, Joseph did have some concrete answers for the last question, saying that:

Between two and six months the government would:
'u00a0Set up of a battalion of elite guards on the lines of the National Security Guards in Mumbai
' Improve coastal security through enhanced surveillance
' Upgrade the state intelligence control room in Pune
' Issue smart cards for fishermen
' Raise a CISF like force to take care of private and individual security and
' Involve citizens on the lines of mohalla committees in the next two to four months

Jayant Patilu00a0 Home Minister
Jayant Patil backpedaled furiously saying, "We had some intelligence inputs." Patil though said that, "We have to deliberate before I make a statement" on what action was taken on the intelligence provided. He also said that the, "Government has set up a group of ministers which is looking into various aspects of security," and was vague in response to the last question saying, "We are devising an action plan to counter all this."

Manohar Nambiar Navy spokesperson
He said, "Yes, there were inputs, but these were not, 'actionable inputs'" to the first question adding that, "since there were no specific details on the inputs, the attacks could not be avoided." To whether the attacks could have been handled more effectively, Nambiar simply said that, "If we had proper inputs, the Navy and the Coast Guard would have reacted positively." Finally, Nambiar did say to the proactive fourth question that the Navy and the Coast Guard have enhanced surveillance in waters around our coast and seas.

MiD-DAY says: What about our woefully ill-equipped police force?
Most answers proved that intelligence inputs had come in, but these were scattered and could not be put together quickly due to the lack of a central command. None of the answers though point out the obvious, a woefully ill-prepared police force. Former cop Kiran Bedi had said that, "India stood exposed to the Western World during the terror attacks. The police had World War II weapons." Finally, while all concerned have replied to what the government is doing to prevent such attacks, it remains to be seen whether these solutions are just on paper or would be actually implemented.

Prominent mumbaikars speak up
A. Has apathy set in after the terror attacks?
B. Has the government done enough to combat terror?
C. Do you feel safe in Mumbai now?

Julio Ribeiro
Former police commissioner
A. No. I did not see any apathy among Mumbaikars. I see anger among people
B. The government of Maharashtra has to do much more to combat terror. They should reduce security cover given to VIPs by at least half
C. Of course, I feel safe in Mumbai. I do not see people looking over their shoulders

Suresh Hosbet
Retd Bombay HC judge
A. I don't think the common man has become apathetic, in fact, he feels helpless
B. The government should have anticipated these attacks. But, they have always failed to do so. It should ensure that they are not caught unawares again
C. We are safe in Mumbai and we have little choice. I am going to live and die here

Anurag Kashyap
Director
A. No, not at all. People continue to send messages on the Internet. The result of the people's anger will be seen during the elections
B. It has done nothing. In a hurry they passed some laws, but nothing concrete
C. I feel as safe and secure in Mumbai as in any other part of the world. Mumbai gives you far more freedom than any other city in India

Rahul Bose
Actor
A. No. Various groups are keeping a watchful eye on the government
B. It's too early to say. We should give them a chance If we don't see any plans being implemented in 60 to 90 days, then we can pass a judgement
C. Yes because safety is a relative term. I always feel safe anywhere in the world

What the common man says
60% believe that apathy has not set in after the terror attacks
50% of Mumbaikars still feel safe in Mumbai
50% feel that the government has done enough to combat terror