The political situation in Maharashtra is still in turmoil – the government has not yet been formed, despite the clear results of the assembly polls having been announced a fortnight ago. The bickering within the Congress and the NCP speaks of purely selfish motives – if terrorists do decide to strike once again, who is going to get the defence organised? Who is the new Chief Minister? Who is looking after the home portfolio?

 

It is but natural, as the anniversary of the terror attacks of 26/11 on Mumbai nears, the security agencies are getting ready and becoming alert to face similar attacks. Why should the Army Chief talk about the obvious? Neither the police, the ATS nor the armed forces would want to face another round of terrorist killings. But, are the forces really prepared?

 

The terrorists had landed on the Mumbai beaches to put the 26/11 plan into operation, an area where they could have been easily captured by the naval forces. Therefore, there is a dire need to strengthen the navy, by augmenting the fleets and upgrading their arsenal. The authorities would do well to ensure that the lacunae observed have been sorted out, otherwise, they would have only themselves to blame in case anything untoward happens.