May 21, 2006
Troops in Kashmir master new weapon: cell phones
An interesting article from Reuters, rounding up examples of how cell phone tracking has helped some intelligence officers capture militants, and how others, prefer to use satellite phones.
... "Indian intelligence officers say troops have eliminated many militants by tracking their mobile phones and tapping conservations.
After three years, there are now more than 850,000 mobile phone users in a state of 10 million people. And the spin-off for anti-insurgency operations has enthused security officials.
"So far, we have arrested or eliminated dozens of them (militants) including many senior commanders through mobile-tracking," the intelligence officer said. "It is easier to track them if they use mobile phones."
Elsewhere across some trouble spots around South Asia, mobile phone services are still seen as a bane.
In Sri Lanka, which is teetering on the brink of a return to civil war, Tamil Tiger rebels do not allow mobile phone services in areas held by them.
"We do not allow mobile telephones because of security concerns," said rebel media coordinator Daya Master. The Tigers fear they could be tracked and targeted through mobile signals. So they use satellite phones instead.
... Police in Kashmir say mobile phones have also saved the lives of hundreds of people trapped in buildings stormed by suicide attackers.
"Hostages have often communicated with the police through mobiles and managed to guide security forces to rescue them amid gunfire", said K. Rajindra Kumar, a top police officer. "This is the success story of mobile phones in anti-militancy operations," Kumar told Reuters.
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