Security — What’s That?
Everytime there’s a terrorist attack somewhere in the country, security is “beefed up” at all potential targets. Recently, there was a shoot-out at IISc, Bangalore, in which a professor was killed and a few others injured. Immediately after the incident, security was increased at the IITs, IIMs and other educational institutions.
However, if you visit any of these “secured” places, you’ll realize that the concept of security is superficial. Bags are checked because they have to be; often, the security personnel will check a part of it and let it go. Baggage passing through the X-ray scanner is lazily monitored. The metal detector during an entry — if it works — is generally disregarded no matter how desperately it beeps.
As long as there are such lapses — chinks in the armor — terror-targets will remain vulnerable.
December 30th, 2005 at 15:34
The IISc is an academic research institution. Would you recommend metal detectors at schools and colleges? They’re terror targets too!
If as Dr. Balram has said we turn IISc into a fortress you are defeating the purpose for which it was built!
December 30th, 2005 at 20:06
I should clarify that I am not aware of exactly what security is being provided at IISc, IIMs etc. My observation was more general, with regard to places that do have high security, such as airports. Naturally, it is impossible to provide universal security. However, where such security is indeed available, no compromises should be made.
And you’re right, it is sad that we have to worry about the security of educational institutions to the extent that we actually need to consider turning them into fortresses. The hatred and fanaticism behind terrorism is mind-boggling.