Terrorism : Menace on Humanity

26 Apr Terrorism : Menace on Humanity

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the Topic of  Terrorism: Menace to Humanity.

SYLLABUS MAPPING:

GS-2-Internal Security- Terrorism: Menace to Humanity

FOR PRELIMS

What is terrorism? How does it affect India?

FOR MAINS

What are the challenges India faces in preventing terrorism?

Why in the News? 

The Union Government convened an all-party meeting in response to a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives and left several injured. The incident has drawn widespread national condemnation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a rally in Madhubani, Bihar, assured the nation that those responsible for the attack, including the conspirators, would be punished beyond their imagination. The government’s response underscores its commitment to national security and a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism.

What is terrorism? 

Terrorism is the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, to achieve political, religious, or ideological objectives. It is a deliberate act aimed at creating fear and chaos in society, often targeting innocent people to draw attention to a cause or to coerce governments into taking or refraining from certain actions. Terrorist groups operate across national and international borders, exploiting vulnerabilities in security systems and communication networks. Unlike conventional warfare, terrorism does not follow the rules of armed conflict and often strikes without warning, making it a grave threat to peace, stability, and human rights. The impact of terrorism extends beyond immediate casualties, as it destabilises societies, hampers development, creates mistrust among communities, and burdens nations with economic and psychological trauma.

Recent terrorist attacks in India 

Terrorism as a Threat to India’s National Security

1. Human Loss & Trauma: Terror attacks like Pulwama (2019) cause heavy casualties and widespread psychological distress.
2. Internal Security Disruption: Persistent militancy in J&K and Maoist violence weaken internal stability; over 230 terror incidents were reported in J&K (2022).
3. Cross-Border Terrorism: Groups like JeM and LeT operate from across the border, with Pakistan’s role frequently highlighted in international forums.
4. Economic Impact: Attacks reduce investor confidence and tourism; estimated losses of ₹1,500–2,000 crore per major incident.
5. Communal Tensions: Terrorism seeks to divide communities, disturbing social harmony, as seen in attacks like 26/11 Mumbai.
6. Security Burden: Huge expenditure on defence and counter-terror efforts; 2024–25 defence budget stands at ₹6.21 lakh crore.
7. Cyber Threats & Radicalisation: Increasing use of online platforms for recruiting and spreading extremism, particularly among youth.
8. Global Standing: Repeated attacks impact India’s global image; India continues to push for the UN’s Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

Counter-terrorism measures by the Government of india

1. Strengthening Legal Framework: Enactment of strict laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and amendments to give more teeth to investigating agencies.
2. Empowering Investigative Agencies: Strengthening of agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for dealing with terror cases across states.
3. Intelligence Coordination: Establishment of the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) for seamless intelligence sharing among central and state agencies.
4. Modernisation of Police and CAPFs: Upgrading weapons, surveillance systems, and training under schemes like Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF).
5. Border Security Enhancement: Deployment of advanced tech like drones, sensors, and fencing along the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders.
6. Cybersecurity Measures: Strengthening of cyber intelligence and surveillance by CERT-In, and monitoring of online radicalization and terror financing.
7. Financial Action Against Terror Funding: Coordination with FATF, stricter rules under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and freezing of terror-linked accounts.
8. Public Awareness and Community Policing: Encouraging community participation through intelligence tip-offs and counter-radicalisation campaigns, especially in vulnerable areas.
9. International Cooperation: Bilateral and multilateral agreements on counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and participation in global forums like the UN, SCO, FATF.

Challenges in tackling terrorism 

1. Cross-Border Support for Terrorism: Terror outfits receive backing from foreign soil, making it difficult to dismantle their infrastructure completely.
2. Intelligence Gaps and Coordination Issues: Lack of seamless real-time intelligence sharing between agencies and states can delay preventive action.
3. Use of Modern Technology by Terrorists: Encrypted messaging apps, drones, and cyber tools are increasingly used, making detection and interception harder.
4. Radicalisation and Online Propaganda: Youth, especially in vulnerable regions, are radicalised via social media and extremist online content.
5. Terror Financing and Hawala Networks: Despite regulatory efforts, illegal funding channels like hawala and fake charities continue to support terror operations.
6. Judicial Delays and Legal Complexities: Long trials, lack of evidence admissibility, and procedural delays weaken the effectiveness of anti-terror laws.
7. Human Rights vs Security Dilemma: Balancing civil liberties with stringent security measures often leads to public backlash or misuse of power.
8. Porous Borders and Terrain Challenges: Difficult terrain in border areas, especially in J&K and the Northeast, aids infiltration and arms smuggling.
9. State-Level Preparedness Gaps: Variations in capabilities, training, and resources among state police forces hinder a unified national response.

Recommendation 

1. Enhance Intelligence Sharing: Improve coordination between central and state agencies through real-time intelligence and integrated command centres.
2. Modernise Security Infrastructure: Invest in advanced surveillance technology, cyber intelligence tools, and AI-driven threat detection systems.
3. Strengthen Border Management: Seal vulnerable borders with smart fencing, motion sensors, and drone surveillance, especially in J&K and the Northeast.
4. Counter Radicalisation Initiatives: Launch targeted de-radicalisation programs in prisons and vulnerable communities, and monitor extremist online content.
5. Speedy Judicial Processes: Set up special fast-track courts for terror cases with trained judges to ensure timely justice.
6. Cut Terror Financing: Tighten monitoring of NGOs, shell companies, and hawala operations; strengthen cooperation with global bodies like FATF.
7. Capacity Building of Police Forces: Provide continuous training, modern equipment, and inter-state collaboration platforms for police and paramilitary forces.
8. Promote Community Policing: Build trust with local communities for early warning systems and encourage citizen reporting of suspicious activity.
9. Push for Global Anti-Terror Cooperation: Revive efforts to get international backing for the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN.

Conclusion

Terrorism continues to be one of the gravest threats to India’s national security, social cohesion, and economic progress. The recent attacks, particularly in sensitive regions like Jammu & Kashmir, highlight the evolving and persistent nature of this menace. While the Indian government has taken robust steps—ranging from strengthening legal frameworks to enhancing intelligence and international cooperation—challenges like cross-border terror, radicalisation, and technology misuse persist. A holistic approach combining stringent security measures, inclusive development, regional diplomacy, and community engagement is essential. India must continue to lead global efforts for a unified fight against terrorism, while ensuring justice, peace, and resilience at home.

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Ritik singh

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