26/11: Corps, Govt should work together, says CII

Kolkata, Nov 26 : Remembering the catastrophe of 26/11, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Thursday said here corporates and government should work together to ensure a safer business environment against the threat of terrorism.

CII Eastern Region CII organized a round table session with members from corporate to discuss the issues and repurcations of terrorist attacks and how terrorism can affect business.

Subir Chaki, Vice Chairman, CII West Bengal State Council & President-Mfg, Eveready Industries Ltd., said: “Today marks the end of a year of the horrific 26/11 attacks that shook the nation and we must introspect whether we have brought any changes in our outlook towards the safety and security of the surroundings. Keeping in mind the increased trend of terrorist and extremist outfits, planning to strike key security installations and economic hubs in India, this session is of immense relevance.”

He further said: “Terrorism holds important implications for business, and international business in particular. It seems clear now that if governments and businesses are to win the battle against terrorism, they must take a completely proactive stance—anticipating likely targets, substantially beefing up security, and establishing counter measures to prevent future attacks from occurring.

“The Government should also immediately act on the rapid economic development of rural areas to mitigate the increasing trend of terrorism in rural India.”

Tripurari, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Division), Kolkata Police, said “Security can only ensure our liberty. It is the demand of the hour for every individual to respect law and support police. If we can support law everything will fall into its place.”

The Corporate groups, civil society and citizens have to set up their vigilance. Only then we would be able to tackle corruption, crime and various other disruptive and terrorist activities. I would like to thank all of you from Corporates, Industry and Media for joining us today,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shauryaveer Himmatsingka, Executive Director, India Carbon Ltd. said terrorism has and will continue to affect how business operates, and how much it costs to operate.

It has become necessary for businesses to begin to bear the cost of installing security systems and personnel to safeguard their customers and employees on a widespread basis. Governments cannot possibly bear this cost alone, he said.

“ Governments and businesses must reach an understanding about how the problem of providing meaningful security is going to be addressed in the future. He also said 26/11 has instilled fear in the minds of every young Indian. We need to eradicate fear from their mind to gift them a better tomorrow,” Himmatsingka said.

Anindya Chatterjee, Head of Operations, Nokia Siemens Networks India Ltd. said it should be the mutual interest of Corporates and Government to secure a safe environment for business to thrive.

He said: “Corporate may as well embrace the reality that providing funding to achieve meaningful security to protect their physical operations, employees, and customers is not only necessary, but also a smart investment. We all should collectively look at how one can prevent when confronted with such a situation”

CII members in Kolkata also took part in a candle lighting ceremony on Mayo Road with Kolkata Police.

Round Tables and Panel discussion on ways to combat terrorism and the necessary preparedness for such future attacks were organized by CII in Siliguri and Orissa as well