On the issue of enhancing the speed and decisiveness of the response mechanism, Chidambaram urged the states to raise their own anti-terrorist forces for which the Centre would provide the necessary assistance. “It would also be necessary to put in place a clear command structure in the case of a terrorist threat or a terrorist attack. There must be no ambiguity or confusion about who is in charge,” he said.

Later, talking to reporters, Chidambaram sought to allay the fears of some of the state governments on the Centre’s move to set up the National Investigation Agency and amend the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. He said he had already promised in Parliament to relook at both these initiatives in due course.