Train between India and Pak a major threat, feel Intelligence agencies

Improper security arrangements for the Thar Express between India and Pakistan have turned the weekly train into a major security threat for the country.

Experts believe that because of lax security measures, terrorists across the border may find it extremely easy to smuggle explosives into India.

Concerned over the potential threat, the Rajasthan police have decided to take up the security issue with the Centre. “We are writing a letter to the Centre with details of our security concerns,” a senior police official told DNA.

Considering the recent spurge in terrorist activities in Pakistan and India, Additional Director-General of Police (Intelligence) MK Devrajan had called a meeting of all the agencies related to the security of the train. The meeting remained inconclusive as only a handful of officials attended it.

The biggest headache for the police is the large amount of baggage brought by the passengers from Pakistan. Currently, there is just one X-ray machine to check the baggage.

Terming the checking of the luggage of the passengers as a mere ‘formality’, an official of the intelligence agencies said, “It will take three days, if we undergo proper checking of the luggage brought by the Pakistani passengers, while the train leaves for Bhagat ki Kothi in Jodhpur within 9 hours of its arrival at Munabao.”    

“A lapse can occur any time,” the official said. Similarly, the GRP police station advised by the Intelligence Bureau has still not been established at Munabao. Devarajan plans to send a report on the security arrangements at Munbao to the Centre soon.

unnerving!

No lead agency to ensure, coordinate security related to the train. RPF, Customs, GRP, IB, rail authority all work in a piecemeal manner.  

The baggage that comes in from Pak is never checked properly as there is just one X-ray machine

Harish Chandra Singh/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication