Approach
The Introduction: Define terrorism.
The Body
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- How has it manifested in India. Counter measures adopted by the state.
The Conclusion: India’s dynamic approach to dismantle terrorism.
The Introduction:
Terrorism is an action or threat designed to influence the government or intimidate the public. Its purpose is to advance a political, religious or ideological cause.
The Body
Terrorism has manifested in India in diverse and evolving forms, posing serious challenges to national security, public life, and economic development.
Manifestation of terrorism in India:
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- Cross border terrorism: Groups based in neighboring countries, especially Pakistan (e.g., Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed), have conducted major terror attacks, like the 2008 Mumbai attacks, 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing, and recent attacks in Jammu & Kashmir such as the 2024 Reasi and Pahalgam
- Left-wing extremism: Maoist insurgency (Naxalites) remains active in states like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, marked by violent attacks on security forces and disruption of development projects.
- Example: A recent incident in Narayanpur (Chhattisgarh) highlights this threat.
- Religious and regional militancy: Attacks in Northeast India and Punjab are linked to separatist movements; banned extremist groups like the Popular Front of India have been linked to communal violence, as seen in the 2022 nationwide ban.
- Urban and communal terrorism: Domestic radical groups have perpetrated bomb blasts.
- Example: (Varanasi, 2022 Gorakhpur temple attack, 2023 Kalamassery blast in Kerala).
- Cyberterrorism and narco-terrorism: Terrorists increasingly use cyber platforms for recruitment, propaganda, and financing, with narco-terror ties emerging especially in border states.
- Example: Malware attack at kudankulam nuclear power plant. Cyber attack at AIIMS.
Counter measures adopted by the state:
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- Zero tolerance policy: Strong legal and administrative steps with multi-agency coordination and national counter-terrorism conferences.
- Legal framework: Amendments to Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA); creation of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) with extended jurisdiction, empowering it to investigate cases even outside India.
- Intelligence and data integration: National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), Multi-Agency Centre, and National Memory Bank for improved intelligence sharing and actionable counter-measures.
- Strengthening forces and infrastructure: Increased capacity and deployment of Central Armed Police Forces, NSG hubs, border fencing, floodlighting, advanced surveillance, and upgraded coastal security.
- Terror financing control: Stringent action against funding sources through an integrated plan, coordinated by the Home Ministry and financial intelligence agencies.
- International cooperation: Multilateral collaboration on counter-terrorism, such as hosting the “No Money for Terror” conference and participating in SCO Defense forums.
The Conclusion:
India’s dynamic counter-terror approach involves legal reform, technological integration, intelligence sharing, border management, and international engagement, aiming to dismantle both the operational and financial ecosystems supporting terrorism.
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