The most significant of these — though largely symbolic as far as its effect on the fight on terror is concerned — is a decision on executing Afzal. Sources said the government had decided to drop its ambivalence in this regard and was likely to “respect” the Supreme Court verdict in this regard very soon.

And in another significant shift from its stated position, the government is also said to have decided to enact a fresh anti-terror law. The details are still to be worked out but the new law was likely to include some stringent provisions, if not all, that this government had been very reluctant to incorporate earlier.

• Central Investigating Agency: A top government source also confirmed to The Indian Express that the government was ready to move afresh on setting up a central investigating agency, something that has been opposed by a number of state governments.

“The Prime Minister himself wants this to be done as soon as possible. Many of the state governments have already experienced terror attacks and most of them realise the need for such an agency. If they agree in principle over this proposal, the modalities and details of this agency could be worked out in consultations with them,” the source said.

• Coastal Security: With the terrorists in Mumbai said to have taken sea-route to reach the country, coastal security has suddenly been thrust as the top-most issue on the government agenda. Official sources said the issue has been the most prominent point of discussion in a series of meetings in the last two days. Home Minister Shivraj Patil briefed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about the steps that are being taken in this regard.

... contd.