The NPA also called for a stronger police force to prevent and respond to hijackings, and nuclear, biological or chemical attacks.

"In our efforts to fight terrorist networks expanding beyond national borders, our country . . . is more likely to become a terrorist target," the agency said in a report recommending the new measures. "We must be prepared in the case of an extensive terror attack."

The report called for greater vigilance of Muslims and illegal immigrants in Japan, saying their communities could be infiltrated by extremists intent on carrying out attacks.

"We have to step up anti-terror measures and strengthen information-gathering about suspicious people," the report said, adding that 90,000 people from Muslim countries live in Japan. "We also have to step up measures against illegal entrants."

The Japan Times Weekly: Aug. 28, 2004
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