Tags:
Journalism of Courage
The explosion at the Indian Oil Corporation depot in Assam points to serious shortcomings in the security set-up at vital installations. If, as reported, it was the handiwork of ULFA militants, the IOC, the Assam government and anti-terrorist Unified Command of army, paramilitary and police forces should be asking themselves a number of questions. One would expect major oil installations to be physically and electronically guarded round the clock at all times. The Thekeraguri depot which stands at a major rail and road junction appears to have taken the additional precaution of hiring private security guards. One must ask therefore how terrorists gained entry or managed to get near enough to place bombs which caused damage worth Rs 40 crore. Not to have foreseen something like this in militant-ridden Assam in the run-up to Independence Day which is the preferred time for violent action suggests an unacceptable degree of carelessness. It also raises concerns about other, less easily protected, targets ofterrorist violence.
Many of the indications until now were that ULFA8217;s back was being broken thanks to the coordinated efforts of various government agencies since 1997. Several leaders and cadres have been caught or have surrendered, a large number as recently as July. More information about the outfit and the deployment of its human and material resources has been obtained. Its sources of funds could be drying up. As ULFA8217;s popularity among the people has declined, new recruitment to its ranks has fallen. Prafulla Mahanta8217;s government is said to be cooperating closely in various facets of anti-insurgency operations. These are positive and encouraging developments suggesting far more progress than hitherto at all levels, including the political, to contain violence.
