... for a new kind of war ...
Posted on 12/03/2008 2:20:12 PM PST by MyTwoCopperCoins
NEW DELHI: Nearly 1,200 uninhabited islands in the Indian seas pose a major security threat as these are being scanned by Pakistan-based terror outfits - Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) - to make new bases to launch jihadi operations against India.
Although the vulnerability of these islands has been discussed in every high-level meeting ever since the home ministry made a detailed presentation before the country's top cops in November 2006, no one in the security establishment is sure whether these uninhabited tracts are actually free from any jihadi element.
A detailed note of the ministry, accessed by TOI, shows that the then joint secretary (security) had categorically mentioned LeT's plans to start sea wings and JeM's plans to train its cadres in deep-sea diving during the presentation.
The JS while referring to intelligence inputs had also told the gathering of police chiefs of all the states how the Pakistani espionage agency "ISI was looking for these unihabited islands to expand its operational base".
These islands -- most of them having thick jungles -- are spread all around. Kuruvadweep in the Kabiri river delta in Kerala, Isle of Man and Tilangchong near Nicobar Island, Barren Island in the Andaman Sea, Purbasha Island near Bangladesh and Kalpeni and Cheriyam near Lakshadweep are among the hundreds of uninhabited islands which fall in the category of becoming jihadis' launch-pad.
Realising the looming threat of maritime terrorism, the home ministry had quickly launched the coastal security scheme for nine coastal states and four Union Territories (UTs), earmarking over Rs 550 crore. But, the scheme has got a very poor response from the states. The only exception has been Gujarat which made its coastal police stations functional, though without any boats as they have to be procured by the Centre.
A total of 73 coastal police stations, 97 check posts, 58 outposts and 30 barracks are supposed to be set up under the scheme which covers Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Goa, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, Daman and Diu.
But, what is the purpose of such police stations when they do not have boats to patrol?
An official said: "A contract has been signed between the ministry and two vendors for supply of 110 (each of 12 tonnes) and 84 (five tonne) boats. Delivery of these boats is expected to begin by April next year."
There, much better...
“Uninhabited” makes them great places for target practice.
YES! But they have a better air force. Let it be a bombing run. ‘Course they could not invade. No personal weapons. They have to change that.
If the island is officially uninhabited, can it thus be struck or strifed with gun fire periodically? After all, anyone who is there is officially breaking the law and a suspected terrorist.
Islands mysteriously sink.
Shades of the Japs in WW2.
... for a new kind of war ...
Satellite scans of the islands will commence immediately.
Let’s get them all in one place.
Give me 5 tones of food, 10 tones of ammo, a few good rifles + machine guns /w spare parts, and put me on one of them islands and I’ll keep the jihadi’s away...
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