The Indian government officially launched its inaugural counter-terrorism policy on Monday, marking a significant shift towards a systematic approach to combat terrorism. This initiative emphasises a proactive and intelligence-driven methodology, aiming to address not only existing threats from hostile neighbours but also evolving challenges posed by terrorists utilising modern technology and criminal networks. Titled ‘Prahaar’, the policy encapsulates India’s overarching strategy to combat terrorism, focusing on eliminating the financial and logistical support systems that bolster terrorist activities.

Seven Pillars of ‘Prahaar’ Outline Strategic Focus

‘Prahaar’ is structured around seven fundamental pillars, each highlighted by a letter of the acronym. These pillars include:

– prevention of terror attacks,

– prompt and proportional responses,

– the aggregation of internal capacities for a comprehensive governmental approach,

– adherence to human rights and rule of law,

– measures to mitigate the enabling conditions of terrorism such as radicalisation,

– alignment of international counter-terrorism efforts, and

– a focus on recovery via a societal approach.

The policy underscores India’s longstanding commitment to combating terrorism, particularly from neighbors that utilize terror as a state apparatus.

Strengthening Collaboration Among Agencies

The policy envisions enhanced collaboration among various governmental agencies to streamline intelligence gathering and investigative processes. Acknowledging the need for periodic amendments to counter-terror laws, it emphasizes the importance of developing state-level counter-terror capabilities, ensuring consistency in structure, resources, training, and investigation methodologies. Furthermore, it points out that violent extremists operating from foreign territories are employing modern technologies, including drones, to execute terror activities, particularly in regions like Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.

‘Prahaar’ stresses the necessity for international cooperation in order to effectively combat terrorism, particularly with the rise of foreign terrorist organisations exploiting local outfits for logistics and operational knowledge. The policy also acknowledges the role of social media and instant messaging applications in facilitating terror communication and propaganda. It recognises the challenges posed by encrypted channels and the dark web, which provide terrorists with avenues for anonymity.

Proactive Disruption and Modernisation Strategies

The newly launched strategy adopts a proactive stance to disrupt terrorist actions, necessitating collaboration among central, state, and local agencies to establish a uniform counter-terror structure and standardised operating procedures. Moreover, it highlights the importance of modernising law enforcement agencies and security forces through the latest advancements in technology and weaponry. The policy advocates for protecting human rights by establishing legal avenues for the redressal and appeal of individuals accused of terrorism.

Addressing Root Causes of Radicalization

The document outlines a tiered police response to radicalization, with legal measures adjusted according to the severity of the radicalization. It also emphasizes the importance of addressing socio-economic vulnerabilities that might lead to radicalisation among youth, proposing educational initiatives and constructive engagement, alongside de-radicalisation programs. Additionally, ‘Prahaar’ calls for aligning global counter-terrorism efforts with international treaties, particularly concerning extradition and deportation in accordance with United Nations guidelines.

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