Terrorists may use the sea to transfer nukes: Navy chief

Indian Navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta today said terrorists may use shipping containers for the movement of nuclear weapons and called for augmented safety measures at ports. "Container is the most likely means for the terrorist organisations for illegal transporting of nuclear weapons. Hence, the serious concerns about container security," Mehta told reporters.

Indian Navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta Wednesday said terrorists may use shipping containers for the movement of nuclear weapons and called for augmented safety measures at ports.

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"Container is the most likely means for the terrorist organisations for illegal transporting of nuclear weapons. Hence, the serious concerns about container security," Mehta told reporters at a seminar on "Port Sector - Developments and Security".

He said the country from where a container leaves should issue safety certificates.

"Countries should certify that whichever container leaves the port is safe," Mehta added.

The fear that terrorists would use the sea route to strike became fact on Nov 26 when 10 armed terrorists slunk into Mumbai on boats to begin three days of mayhem that killed some 170 people.

Talking about greater synergy amongst the navy, coast guard and port authorities, the navy chief disclosed that control rooms would be set up in the eastern and western naval command.

"These (control rooms) are the measures we propose for greater coordination that a joint operation center functions from eastern and western command... We will have a composite control over maritime assets," Mehta said.

"It should be the integral part of country's security system," said Mehta.