Every now and then we hear news of terrorist activities or their attacks or arrests. The recent arrest of six Lashker-e-Taiba is an achievement that were responsible for the death and destruction on the CRPF camp in Rampur and the attack on IIS Bangalore and a sizeable quantity of arms, ammunition and AK 47 guns were seized from these criminals. The question is for how long the Center Government can afford to sleep on these terrorist sleeper units and allow the free flow of immigrants from Bangladesh through Assam. Zero tolerance of terror in Gujarat and now in UP will result in positives as action is taken against criminals and those who give them sanctuary. Few if any will complain of harsh steps taken to curb these criminal acts and it is tragic that a soft approach is being adopted for vote bank considerations and minority appeasement.

Terrorist kills without any consideration for religion, caste. CM Mayawati has raised security issues and it would be foolish for the Center to quote rules and procedures and those who fight the forces of terror need the best protection and this should be given if necessary at the expense of those who get security because they are close to those in power. UP with many seats will have a very deep impact on the next Lok Sabha election and a approach to terror and action taken in the field will determine public opinion and as things stand the BSP will gain whilst the SP is clearly on the defensive and the Congress will also suffer unless it takes a hard approach to these criminal acts.

The complex issues of internal security and a war like situation in several states due to growing Naxalile violence and terror threats on both sides of the border and in the Home Ministry, the best talent available is needed. The action has to be taken in the States but co ordination and sharing of intelligence are critical in handling a situation with some success. Security may well be the key issue for the 2009 Lok Sabha elections and the public mood can get very ugly if there are any further incidents from sleeper units or others.

The ruling UPA being the Government of the day will no doubt attract a great deal of criticism but the NDA did very little during their tenure in governance to curb the inflow of illegal migrants from Bangladesh and the flow of terrorists into India and the formation of  sleeper units. There is intelligence, we know the location of the terrorist camps, we have the tools to deal with the situation but we lack the will to act in a decisive manner. Security agencies and Police in several states have conducted raids and unearthed huge quantities of arms, ammunition , bombs and explosives and what has happened to all the intelligence gathered during these raids and has action been initiated against those who were involved in these criminal acts.