Friday, December 30 2005 14:48 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

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

"By very definition the ambience of the University will be lost if you convert it into armed fortress", he said today (Dec 30,2005).

"Along with high security comes many other problems like problem of access and freedom," he said.

In a terrorist attack just outside a conference hall in the IISc campus here on Wednesday evening, one professor was killed and four were wounded, sparking off concern over security scene in Bangalore.

Prof. Balaram strongly favoured security which is unobtrusive, modern and discreet using techologies.

"I hope that will be possible," he said.

Asked if the Intelligence Bureau or the Police have alerted the IISc about possible terrorist strike, he said, "No".

Prof. Balaram said security measures are being reviewed and security would be upgraded at IISc.

According to him, it's particularly difficult proposition for a free and an open academic institution (IISc) to deal with a 'major assault'.

"It (IISc) is not an armed fortress," he said.

"So, I don't believe there has been any kind of problem with our security. It's just the kind of attack that we have been subjected to which is unfortunate," he said.

He also said terrorism has become a fact of modern life and it may happen anywhere, anytime, noting that innumerable cities in India and overseas have been targets.

"We (IIsc) just happened to be caught up in the midst of one of these crises," he said.

Prof. Balaram denied that following the protest by a Tibetan refugee duing Chinese Premier's visit here in April, police had suggest modifications in security set-up.

He said police have done a 'wonderful' job in handling matters after the terrorist attack, and agreed with the statement of top official that this was not a time to engage in blame-game.