Govt plans anti-terror unit for N-E on the lines of J&K

New Delhi: Encouraged by the success of the Srinagar-based multi disciplinary terror mointoring group or centre, which was set up post the Pulwama terror attack on a CRPF convoy in February, in which 40 security personnel were killed, the Centre is contemplating putting in place a similar mechanism in Naxal-infested states and those affected by militancy in the Northeast.

The multi-disciplinary terror monitoring group, which became operational in March, meets twice a week with representatives from different security and intelligence agencies, who exchange information and details of terror activities in the Kashmir Valley. Sources said the experiment of setting up this mechanism has resulted in major success in dealing with militancy in the Valley as post-Pulwama and with setting up of this mechanism, almost 50 militants have been eliminated in the Valley, including those involved in the Pulwama terror attack.

Security agencies had launched operation All Out after the Pulwama incident and has been successful in targeting the top leadership of terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed. “Since this groups meets so frequently, co-ordination between different security and intelligence has become very convenient. The mastermind of the Pulwama incident, Mudasir Ahmed Khan and Sajjad Ahmad Bhat, whose car was used in the same incident were eliminated due to the active role played by this terrorism centre,’’a senior security official said.

Thus, sources in the capital’s security establishment, claimed that in view of the success of the Srinagar-model of the terrorism centre, a similar mechanism is expected to be put in place states affected by Naxal violence and militancy infested states in Northeast.

Lack of co-ordination and sharing intelligence among different agencies is often seen as one of the reasons why some operations against subversive elements are not very successful.

Home ministry is likely to discuss the issue with different states to explore possibility if a similar mechanism can be set up there.

With Naxal violence showing a constant decline and being contained to fewer districts under the NDA Government, there is an increasing view within the home ministry that security forces should go in for a final assault to remove the Maoist menace. ``In North-east also, the situation is comparatively better now and if such a co-ordination mechanism can be set up, then a major assault can be launched against groups operating in Assam, Nagaland, Maipur and Mizoram,’’an official added.