Weaponised drones will be next-gen terror tactics

INTERVIEW M.A. Ganapathy director general, National Security Guard

- NAMRATA BIJI AHUJA

In the run up to the assembly polls in five states, the National Security Guard (NSG) has defused several improvised explosive devices (IEDs). While a court complex in Ludhiana witnessed a deadly blast on December 23, security agencies have been successful in defusing two sophisticated IEDs— one each in Punjab and Delhi—on January 14.

In an exclusive interview with THE WEEK, NSG director general M.A. Ganapathy said sticky bombs and weaponised drones would be the next major challenge for security forces. Excerpts:

Q/ The NSG has defused several IEDs in the past few months. What is the latest pattern?

A/ The threat of IEDs has increased significantly in recent years. There is a clear pattern of IEDs being dropped in India’s border areas through drones. A large number of such IEDs have been defused and analysed by the NSG’s bomb disposal teams. Most of these IEDs are sophisticated and indicate the role of state or quasi-state entities behind their fabrication. The latest trend is of sticky bombs. The NSG is aware of the threat of IEDs emanating from forces inimical to India and has the wherewithal to deal with it.

The NSG is also the repository of bomb data from across the country. The National Bomb Data Centre has been collecting and analysing data for many years. The NBDC will be upgraded through a digital portal where all stakeholders are connected under one platform and there is seamless flow of information regarding all major IED blasts in the country. Such flow of information will also include post blast as well as predictive analysis.

Q/ There are concerns about NSG commandos being roped in for VIP security duty instead of focusing on counter-terror operations.