Secondly we need more relevant and actionable intelligence. This needs a high degree of expertise; technical back-up; recruitment of dedicated individuals who can penetrate terrorist cells; funding; and sharing of information as it is available, not after months of it going round the officials of various intelligence agencies.

Thirdly, immediate strengthening of the police forces, if necessary with help from the army. This must include the revival of the concept of the beat constable, who was always the key source of intelligence. Many excuses are given as to why he is unavailable or ineffective, but if accountability is built-in and enforced and motivation is increased, the beat constable will regain his key position in identifying and reporting illegal activity and suspicious individuals.

Fourthly, we need to look closely at the fundamental reasons for such acts and then make definitive plans to remove the causes or grievances which may be responsible. This squarely falls in the realm of the government and the political parties. In case there is an international angle to it, as seems to be the case, if political and diplomatic actions do not produce results, then it is the duty of the government to take recourse to military action.

None of these is unachievable, provided there is a will, a centralised authority, accountability and an understanding of the magnitude of the task. We are resilient, but we must not be passive.

The writer is a former vice-chief of army staff

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