Indian ministry of defence reviews national security
21 Nov 2009
New Delhi: In the backdrop of reports emerging in the local press that prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh had indicated that Pakistan-based terror groups were planning another attack in India, the ministry of defence held a comprehensive security review on Friday and asked for increased vigilance from the nation's armed forces.
According to reports, defence minister AK Antony discussed the situation with the three service chiefs as well as the national security advisor, MK Naryananan, at a three hour long meet.
The review takes place even as Dr Singh packs his bags for a Washington summit with US president Barack Obama. He departs Indian shores today.
In an interview to The Washington Post, the Indian PM said that Pakistan-based terror groups were likely to mount another attack similar to 26/11 Mumbai attacks. This event approaches its first anniversary this month.
At the review, it was suggested that intelligence agencies be careful in issuing routine alerts and that the armed forces also not treat them as routine matter.
Intelligence agencies are scrambling to uncover the vast trail of movement around the country of two Pakistani-origin US and Canadian citizens, David Headley and Thawwur Rana, who are currently in custody in the United States.
Indian intelligence officials, according to reports, were denied access to the accused when they travelled to the US to interrogate them. The FBI, apparently, is passing on information to local officials now.