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Plugging a gap

The customary criticism of “a new organisation to tackle every new crime” would only be partially valid in respect of…

Plugging a gap

Representational image (Photo: Getty Images)

The customary criticism of “a new organisation to tackle every new crime” would only be partially valid in respect of the proposal under the consideration of the home ministry to establish a Coastal Border Police Force. For there can be no denying that a critical gap persists on the shoreline ~ there is little to back up the two “outer” security rings manned by the Coast Guard and the Navy (farther out to sea). Local police forces have yet to acquire adequate proficiency to thwart activity like the terror strike on the nation’s financial capital, or the landing of explosives on the western coast that resulted in the Mumbai blasts soon after the vandalism at the Babari Masjid in Ayodhya. After the terrorist attack an elaborate plan was formulated for coastal security with the Navy at its apex, unfortunately it has not been translated into action essentially because the “third tier” has remained fragile. Though some vessels were procured for coastal police stations, only a few are still afloat, and reportedly inadequate funds were provided for their fuel and maintenance. That only underscores the need for the home ministry to ensure that its job does not end with merely “raising” the CBPF ~ selecting and training of personnel, top-quality equipment, and ensuring a “future” for its top personnel need sustained attention.

The importance of the CBPF cannot be over emphasised. A coastline of 7,516 kms and 1,197 islands need protection. A series of recent events, few of which attract public attention, point to considerable clandestine activity on the maritime frontline: smuggling, drug-running etc. A complication could arise because the force would have to interact with its counterparts in 13 states and Union Territories controlled by different political parties. The onus on the home ministry to promote positive cooperation among all the various agencies will be heavy.

For inter-state cooperation among police forces remains a distant dream, and there is always a resistance from state governments to what they perceive as the Centre encroaching on their rights thus impacting the concept of federalism. Considerable experience has been gained by Central forces in managing land borders; translating that expertise and experience to a coastline policing agency will require quality leadership. It is often forgotten that the roots of the Border Security Force are strong because of the sterling qualities of its “founder”, KF Rustamji. Without casting aspersions on anyone, it must be noted that the prolonged teething troubles of the Coast Guard resulted from the Navy considering the service a “poor relative”. The CBPF must be spared such agonies, and North Block will have to excel itself if the desired goal is to be achieved: the top talent from various security agencies needs to be drawn into the effort to create a fruitful effort to keep the “coast clear”.

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