“The Government has ensured that there was no repeat of 26/11 type of attack. Year 2013 witnessed 4 bomb blast cases. Hyderabad, Bangalore, Bodh Gaya and Patna suffered from terrorist incidence. I am happy to tell that Bangalore, Bodh Gaya and Patna blast cases have been solved. Lot of good work that our security agencies do, remains out of the public arena for obvious reasons, and therefore their successes go unnoticed many times.
I would like to put on record my appreciation for them and believe that it is necessary for us to understand the diverse challenges that they face - to appreciate the framework that we are putting in place today.
For our men and women who ensure the internal security of the nation, effective and timely intelligence is often what stands between saving precious lives and possible disaster. It is for this reason that our government resolved to create a tool that would support the Intelligence and Law Enforcement Agencies in the vital work that they do.
One of the important lessons that emerged from the 26/11 attacks, was that information and indicators of possible attacks were present in different parts of the system, but there was no technological framework to help Agencies put the pieces together to develop actionable and timely intelligence.
Over the past few years we have also seen that terrorists are using technology to radicalise, communicate, raise and move funds and even reconnaissance target areas – all the while remaining “under the radar”. A case in point was the use of secure communication technology by the people who directed the attacks on Mumbai and almost a minute by minute direction of the operation by the handlers.
The NATGRID is a crucial initiative that will help plug our vulnerabilities by upgrading and enhancing our capability to detect and respond to such threats at the earliest possible time.
The NATGRID framework will use cutting edge technology to help strengthen the Intelligence and Law Enforcement Agency’s ability to detect terrorist activity, and swiftly piece together information that could help pre-empt attacks or find the perpetrators in the unfortunate event.
By creating a system like NATGRID, the government is also sending out a strong message to our enemies, potential terrorists and their sympathisers, that there is a high likelihood of them getting caught.
While finalising the NATGRID solution the government concluded that it needs a wide range of specialised skills to create a complex system like NATGRID and that is why Government has approved to recruit from both within the government and private sector. I appeal to the best Indian minds to come forward and join NATGRID, one of India’s most prestigious projects and contribute to the cause of National Security.
While the construction of these futuristic facilities will take some time, NATGRID will soon commence pilot projects to assist Intelligence and Law Enforcement Agencies in their ability to improve the country’s internal security needs.
While laying the foundation stone, I assure you, the people of this great nation that the resolve of government of India to provide safety and security to all cannot be challenged. Hanging of Afjal Guru, Azmal Kasab and arrest of Yasin Bhatkal, Tunda, Haddi and solving blasts cases in no time, proves this resolve. Government will deal with iron fist when it comes to terrorism.
I wish all those who are involved in creating this institution all the very best for its timely and successful completion.”
