Jihadis switching to hitech methods
Rajesh Kumar, The Pioneer
January 10, 2008

Chief Ministers and VVIPs are now on the hit list of Jihadis operating across the country. According to an advisory sent out by National Security Advisor MK Narayanan to Chief Ministers and DGPs, a fresh review of security has been sought as inputs have been received which point to Jihadis using "new wave tactics" to eliminate targets.

The letter has been written after the assassination of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Although Narayanan has not described the term "new wave tactics", he has warned about the emerging threat posed by the new tactics adopted by various Jihadi outfits. "Prominent political personalities were now among their prime targets," the note said.

Of late, more Jihadi outfits are using sophisticated techniques than it used to be in the past. "They are now engaged in a great deal of planning before carrying out an attack. This included studying the habits and attitudes and day-to-day activities of their targets. Their areas of vulnerability and the weaknesses in the security system around them. The assassination of Benazir Bhutto is a classic example of how this technique can and has been employed," the advisory said.

Ajai Sahani of Institute of Conflict Management told The Pioneer that new wave tactics could be anything. Sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs said that "new wave tactics" could also be the use of a short pulse laser that can be directed at a target with ferocious intensity. The gun is available in lethal and non-lethal versions. "The laser induced plasma channel directed weapon is a special kind of laser that speeds up the discharge and precisely control where the manmade lightning goes. The gun uses massive quantities of electricity rather than gunpowder to propel non-explosive projectiles at incredible speeds," the source said. There has been a reference to the laser being used in the assassination of Bhutto.

Besides, the "new wave tactics" mean involving more educated women in the terror outfits which helps to carry out reconnaissance of the habits and attitudes of their targets.

Narayanan stated that both Prime Minister and Home Minister have requested that in the light of the latest assessment, security need to be tightened all round including that of Chief Ministers and other key political leaders. It has recommended that the personal security of Chief Ministers and other senior politicians need to be instantly reviewed. "They should be further strengthened wherever necessary, weakness in the security system should be identified and properly plugged where necessary. Leaders should be persuaded not to take unnecessary or uncalled for risks and urged to adhere to norms to establish fool proof security," said the note.