Knicker Bombs and Waist Band Bombs of LTTE; transistor and car bombs of Sikh Militants; letter bombs and remote controlled explosives of Middle-East Terrorists; land mines and pipe bombs of Naxalites are but a few examples of threats to our lives and properties using explosives, with which the citizen of India is to live with Terrorists and their ilk have ushered in the cult of explosives in our country causing death and destruction through stealth and cunning. The synchronised explosions on long distance trains in different parts of the country on the anniversary of Ayodhya tragedy; the attempted assassination of the Youth Congress President; Mega explosions in our Metropolises have all demonstrated that the miscreants can strike at will and the time and target are their choice.

Free availability of sophisticated explosives in large quantities - thanks to I.S.I. and minimal technical expertise needed to handle them have impelled many a hot head to take to explosives. Added to this, L.T.T.E., I.S.I. and others have assisted in the transfer of technical know-how. Thus, we have a grim scenario and the need of the hour is to face the threat squarely and go all out to root out this evil. We are not helpless to face this menace. Let us recall with price, how we overcame the menace of Letter Bombs in the Seventies and the transistor bombs in the Eighties. Meticulous planning, Media campaign regarding preventive steps, and an alert police force helped in overcoming these threats. The first breakthrough in Bombay blasts came from the alert public. Thus, the current crisis can be overcome by initiating positive and pragmatic preventive steps and with public support.

In the first place, the inflow of explosives like RDX into the country is to be checked and ultimately eliminated. This calls for energetic action on the part of Border Security Force; Coast Guard; Customs; Indian Navy and others. Consignments are to be interdicted by these agencies. Patrolling to be intensified all along the coast and public are to be involved by creating a Sagar Rakshak Dal on the lines of Home Guards. Liberal rewards are to be given to the members of the public providing clues regarding the clandestine movement of explosives. To prevent misuse of the authorised explosives, constant monitoring stock, distribution, transport and actual expending of explosives is to be undertaken. The controlling and inspecting agencies are to be strengthened and expanded.

The Central and State Intelligence agencies are to be tasked and entrusted with the responsibility to gather operational intelligence regarding the inflow, clandestine distribution channels, foreign links, location of stocks and targets. They should be held accountable for prevention of explosives as these are perpetrated only by politically violent elements. Efficient investigation of cases of explosion will lead us to the trail of the master minds behind them. In all cases of explosions, where prima facie use of sophisticated foreign made or clandestine explosives is established, Central Bureau of Investigation should automatically assume charge of the investigation. Suitable amendments to law and procedure are to be effected. C.B.I. should also coordinate generation, collection and dissemination of criminal intelligence by the States and overseeing of all cases of investigation of explosions in the country.

Laws dealing with handling and storage of explosives and investigation of crime related to explosives are archaic and are in urgent need of review. A panel of eminent jurists and experienced Investigating Officers is to be set up to undertake a comprehensive review and suggest improvements. Inter alia, it should be considered to make all offences relating to explosives strictly non-bailable and mandatory minimum prison sentences are to be prescribed. Where death occurs, death penalty should be compulsory and damages caused are to be made good by confiscation of properties of the criminals. No case of crime involving explosives should be allowed to be withdrawn.

Indian Police do not possess the expertise to deal with crimes related to use of sophisticated explosives. A massive training programme for the police officers in the handling and neutralising of explosives and scientific methods of investigation of crimes related to explosives is to be launched. Police are to be provided with the latest equipment needed to handle explosives.

These suggestions when implemented, will create public awareness, an efficient police force and an effective intelligence machinery. If denied success and capacity to generate terror and panic, before long, the miscreants would give up their penchant to use explosives to cause damage to lives and properties. Let us strive to make 1994 an ‘Explosion-Free Year’.