It is true this measure alone will not stop terrorist attacks or even their misuse of army uniforms. But if implemented with some seriousness, this would at least make their task a little difficult.

In the climate of lawlessness that prevails in our country, many private security guards use uniforms similar to the army or police with impunity. Is it too much to expect that the government puts an end to this practice?

One recalls the good old days when even to use police uniforms in plays or in movies, prior permission was needed. This practice needs to be re-established so that the film industry or entertainment folk are not subjected to undue harassment at the hands of the police.

Seeking prior police/armed forces permission to use the uniforms will achieve a great secondary purpose. Ever since Bollywood film financing fell into the underworld's hands, one can clearly see the effect. Goons are glorified, and invariably the police is shown in bad light. Now as the jihad from across the border has gained ascendancy and the underworld is in cahoots with the jihadis, their attention has turned to the armed forces.

Making it mandatory to seek permission for use of uniforms will give a chance to the hapless police and armed forces to exercise some control over the malicious propaganda and subversion of minds that gangsters want to carry out! Are the police chiefs and generals listening?

Even if some sort of control is established over the sale of uniforms, a determined terrorist group will always manage the simple items of uniforms. Especially when they enjoy the support of our malevolent neighbour. But India has the technology to fashion high security badges using holograms of the retroactive kind so that when exposed to light the hologram would show. This fact can then be widely disseminated to citizens so that they can recognise 'fake' soldiers and be on their guard.

To prevent the misuse of lost or captured badges, the holograms can be made of limited shelf life and also be changed frequently, somewhat like code words or cipher. In this long drawn out war, the State must use all the resources at its command.

I am aware there is a pitfall in writing these kind of suggestions in the open media. It puts up the backs of the bureaucracy and the idea is scuttled. But these are desperate times and there is no room for niceties.

The reaction to the attack on the Swaminarayan temple are predictable. All communities condemn the attack. Political parties organise bandhs, ministers issue yet another stern warning and the media goes to town giving 24 hour coverage and banner headlines. In less than a week's time everyone is back to square one till the next attack takes place. Then again the same sterile sequence is repeated.

Terrorists operate with the help of sympathisers and supporters. Instead of organising protests or issuing statements, the citizens of all faiths must sharpen their vigil and report the presence of the terrorists. More than pledges of loyalty to the country, the act of informing the security agencies about terrorists and handing them over to the police will conclusively establish the patriotic credentials of minorities under siege.

All this can only happen if we are serious and mean business. Else, India will continue to be targeted by the terrorists. Not because we are numero uno on their list… but simply because we are a soft State and society!

The Temple Attack: Complete Coverage
The Swaminarayan sect

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