IISc chief says no to high security

IISc chief says no to high security
Deccan Herald

Director of IISc Prof P Balaram does not want the premier institute to be turned into a high security zone despite the terrorist attack, saying the ambience would be lost if it is ...

Director of Indian Institute of Science Prof P Balaram does not want the premier institute to be turned into a high security zone despite the terrorist attack, saying the ambience would be lost if it is turned into an “armed fortress”.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Prof Balaram said the attack that occurred on Wednesday was not normal, “It could happen anywhere, anytime and we were amid one”. Terrorism has now become a part of modern life, he said.

“The ambience of the University will be lost if you convert it into an armed fortress,” Prof Balaram said.

“Along with high security comes many other problems like that of access and freedom,” he said.

Prof Balaram strongly favoured security which was unobtrusive, modern and discreet.

“I hope that will be possible.” Asked if the Intelligence Bureau or the police had alerted the IISc about a possible terrorist strike, he replied in the negative.

Stating that things were normal at the institute, he said he has received overwhelming support from institutions across the country which expressed solidarity. Prof Balaram said the conference which the terrorist had targeted was not one that would normally attract a terrorist attack.

He denied that the institute has received any oral or written suggestion from the police to review the security on the campus.