NBDC to counter terrorist IEDs menace more effectively

New Delhi, Feb 8 : Instead of using guns to inflict damage, terrorists are using remotely-controlled and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) more frequently, as they have the advantage of the perpetrator not being easily discovered.

The National Bomb Data Centre (NBDC) of the National Security Guard is engaged in finding out ways to counter this ever-increasing menace and share its knowledge with all agencies in a coordinated manner.

Today the material and technology for making IEDs is readily available in the market, making it convenient for terrorists to choose their target, cause extensive damage and destruction of life and property and getaway easily.

The threat is even more pronounced in the Indian context of sponsored terrorism where training, material and incentives are being made available to the terrorist outfits from across the border.

There is a nexus existing between the various terrorist outfits within the country and even globally for exchange of information and intelligence on the fabrication of IEDS.

In contrast, there is limited interaction amongst the various security agencies operating within the country on this aspect, leading to loss of innocent lives and property. There is urgent need to develop a preventive strategy.

"NBDC established in the year 2000 is the only bomb data centre which monitors bombing incidents in the country. It collects and analyses data and the findings are passed on to the security forces operating in the field, which helps them to formulate ways and means to defeat terrorist organizations using IEDs," said Colonel Ajay Ahooja, Director of NBDC.

He further said that the pressure created by security forces has resulted in use of more explosives by the terrorist organizations' to inflict maximum damage to life and property.

Colonel Ahooja said that importance of the NBDC is that it passes the information down to the people operating in the field. It has organised a seminar on February 14 and 15 where security experts from world over will share their experience.

The two-day seminar will exclusively discuss the terrorist menace and their modus operandi. A large number of IED and explosive related presentations are scheduled by experts in the field of Bomb Disposal, forensic science and dog units from India and abroad, he added.

"It is the time to understand how effectively we can use the study to defeat the terrorists," Colonel Ahooja said.

The NBDC acts as a nodal agency covering all facets of bombing incidents. It was established at Manesar in March 2000 to create a data bank of IED related bombing incidents in India It collects, collates, analyses and evaluates all terrorist-bombing activities reported in the country.

This center is the sixth such centre in the world credited with providing expertise in post-blast investigation. It maintains a 'Data Bank' on explosives and incidents of explosions for the defence and police forces.

It disseminates relevant information to concerned law enforcement agencies. Carries out extensive research and develop concepts for dealing with terrorist bomb threat situations in future.

The NBDC remain abreast with latest technologies in the field and keep update of terrorist bombing in India and abroad. Compile and disseminate periodic statistical data and analytical information on terrorist bombing activities.

It also carries out research and innovation in the field of bomb disposal equipment to suit local needs and conditions. By Praful Kumar Singh

ANI