'Terror groups may use nuclear, biological devices'

NEW DELHI: With the face of terrorism changing over time, the government on Saturday warned that terror groups might use "nuclear, biological and chemical devices" and favoured a multi-pronged approach to deal with the menace.

"Terrorists have begun to use military tactics...At present, terrorists are using sophisticated small weapons and explosive devices to perpetrate terror.

"In future, they are likely to use nuclear, biological and chemical devices and other mechanical and psychological devices," home minister Shivraj Patil said while inaugurating a two-day conference of police DGs and IGs organised by the Intelligence Bureau.

The home minister said for creating a fear psychosis, terrorists choose targets which can lead to disturbance of bigger and more complicated nature.

"That is why they appear to be attacking the places of religious nature, so that conflicts between the people belonging to different religions or communities can be created," he said.

In an apparent reference to terror strikes at places of worship, he said terrorists wanted to use the psychology of
unsuspecting and innocent persons to flare up communal disturbances.

Expressing concern over inter-state ramification over terrorism, he strongly favoured a central agency by amending laws but said that it was not possible till all the states cooperated.

"Let us hope that it would become available sooner than later." Ruling out a POTA-like law, he said the relevant provisions of the repealed act had been introduced in the unlawful activities act.