In the wake of the unprecedented twin drone attacks by terrorists at the Jammu Air Force Station, a high-level meeting was held at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence in New Delhi on Tuesday regarding internal security, including in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.
According to sources, in the meeting that lasted about an hour-and-a-half, several security-related issues, including the twin drone attacks, were discussed and it was decided to expedite the process of formulating a comprehensive drone policy for India. Shortly before the meeting, the Defence Minister was briefed by the Air Force Chief.
According to sources, in this meeting, while discussing the drone attack on the Jammu Air Force Station, NSA Doval and Defence Minister Singh also apprised the Prime Minister about the latest updates regarding the security preparedness in Jammu. Apart from this, issues related to security were discussed in detail.
Sources said that talks were held on the future challenges in the defence sector. There was talk of equipping the defence forces with modern weapons. Involving more youth, startup firms and strategic communities to tackle these challenges was also discussed.
It is worth noting that the drone attack on the Indian Air Force base in Jammu and subsequent drone sightings in some nearby areas have increased the threat and challenges for the security forces and security agencies. There are many Army bases, stations and cantonment areas in this entire belt. In the past, many of these have also been targeted by Pakistan-backed terrorists.
On Monday, the Army had said that drones were spotted flying out over the Kaluchak-Ratnuchak military stations. “A major threat was thwarted by the alertness and proactive approach of troops. The security forces are on high alert and a search operation is in progress,’’ Army PRO Lt Colonel Devender Anand had said.
However, the way the drone attacks are now being done, points to a big shift towards technology by terrorists. This has not only given them a second option instead of a suicide attack, but it has also opened the way to do so again and again. Drone attacks have come as a low-cost option for terrorist outfits. The Ministry of Home Affairs has entrusted the task of investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Earlier in the day, the main Opposition Congress said that a credible and comprehensive policy and measures are needed to tackle drone attacks by Pakistan-based terror outfits. Congress general secretary and chief spokesperson Surjewala said that the Modi government needs to act on the “strategic advice of experts instead of focusing on mere headlines management”.
