A long way to go in internal security: D Sivanandhan

Q. What do you think we lack and the government need to do to stop such attacks in future?
A. The then 9/11 commission had said that the lack of imagination and preparation was the main reason for the American tragedy. We have to imagine 360 degrees and anticipate from where the enemy will strike. We have to heavily invest in technology, manpower and machinery. Constant upgradation of all the equipment is necessary. 

Q. What changes would you suggest for the police department? 
A. We have to abandon the old equipment and buy latest technology and other materials. Our men have to be trained continuously for anti-terrorism work instead of being continuously deployed for elections, Ganpati and Navratri bandobast duties. 

Q. Should our police training methods be changed? 
A. Even the normal training of police is half done. So, the leadership has to constantly discuss and execute enhancing of skills by constant and continuous training programmes. We have to bring talent from outside, if required.

Q. Have we done enough about coastal security? 
A. We have to invest heavily on upgrading coastal security by creating a special battalion of coastal police, a training academy for them, purchasing new boats, upgrading the existing boats etc.

Q. What are the challenges in future for the security agencies?
A. Aviation security is very important with the arrival of drones for the asking by private people. If they can deliver a book or pizza, they can deliver RDX too. Aerial security, intelligence regarding that and surveillance has to be done.

Q. Youths are still getting radicalised. What measures can be taken to stop this?
A. Investment by government on de-radicalisation programmes is a must. Community policing has to improve for creating a vast network of eyes and ears of the police. Intelligence department has to be strengthened.