22 Mar Counter-Terrorism: Strength, Strategy, and Security
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the Topic of Counter-Terrorism: Strength, Strategy, and Security.
SYLLABUS MAPPING:
GS-3- Internal Security- Counter-Terrorism: Strength, Strategy, and Security
FOR PRELIMS
What is terrorism? What are the main causes of terrorism in India?
FOR MAINS
What are the challenges in stopping terrorism in India?
Why in the news?
Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and asserted that Naxalism in India will be eradicated by March 2026. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during a debate on the functioning of the Home Ministry, he highlighted the Narendra Modi government’s achievement in abrogating Article 370, fulfilling the vision of the Constitution’s architects. He emphasised that Article 370 was the root of separatism in Jammu & Kashmir and that its removal ensured national unity under one constitution and one flag. Shah also criticised past governments for prolonging Article 370 due to vote-bank politics despite its temporary provision in the Constitution.
What is terrorism in India?
Terrorism in India refers to violent acts committed by individuals or groups to create fear, disrupt peace, and achieve political, religious, or ideological objectives. India has faced terrorism from various groups, including separatist movements, insurgent organizations, religious extremists, and foreign-sponsored terrorist networks.
In the context of India’s Past Incidents of terrorism
| Date | Incident | Location | Terror Group | Casualties | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 12, 1993 | Mumbai Blasts | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Dawood Ibrahim’s D-Company | 257 killed, 1,400+ injured | Series of 13 bomb blasts across the city. |
| December 13, 2001 | Indian Parliament Attack | New Delhi | Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) | 9 security personnel, 1 civilian killed | 5 terrorists were killed; the attack led to Indo-Pak tensions. |
| July 11, 2006 | Mumbai Train Blasts | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Indian Mujahideen (IM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) | 209 killed, 700+ injured | 7 bomb blasts targeted Mumbai’s local trains. |
| November 26-29, 2008 | Mumbai Attacks (26/11) | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) | 166 killed, 300+ injured | 10 terrorists attacked key locations; Ajmal Kasab was captured. |
| January 2, 2016 | Pathankot Attack | Pathankot, Punjab | Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) | 7 security personnel killed | Attack on Indian Air Force base. |
| February 14, 2019 | Pulwama Attack | Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir | Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) | 40 CRPF personnel killed | A suicide bombing on a CRPF convoy led to a Balakot airstrike. |
Counter-terrorism measures by Gov of India.
1. Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA): Originally enacted in 1967 and amended multiple times (2008, 2019), this law strengthens India’s legal framework against terrorism. It allows the government to ban terrorist organizations and designate individuals as terrorists.
2. National Investigation Agency (NIA): Established in 2008 after the Mumbai 26/11 attacks, the NIA is India’s central agency for investigating and prosecuting terror-related cases across the country.
3. Multi-Agency Centre (MAC): A platform for intelligence-sharing among security agencies, operational since 2001, helping real-time coordination to prevent terrorist activities.
4. National Security Guard (NSG): Formed in 1984, the NSG is an elite counter-terrorism force that handles major terrorist incidents, such as the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
5. Operation All-Out: Launched in 2017, this military operation targets terrorists and insurgents in Jammu & Kashmir, with joint efforts from the Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police.
6. Counter-Terrorism Grid (CT Grid): A national database integrating intelligence and law enforcement data to track and prevent terror-related activities.
7. Border Security Measures: India has strengthened its borders with fencing, advanced surveillance systems, drones, and increased patrolling, particularly along the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders.
8. Demonetization (2016): One of its objectives was to curb terror financing by eliminating fake currency, which was used to fund terrorist activities.
9. Cybersecurity & Anti-Radicalization Efforts: The government actively monitors social media and online platforms to prevent radicalization and recruitment by terrorist organizations.
Challenges in countering terrorism in india
1. Cross-Border Terrorism: Terrorist groups infiltrate India from neighbouring countries, especially Pakistan, making security efforts challenging.
2. Radicalization & Online Extremism: Extremist ideologies spread through social media and encrypted apps, making detection and prevention difficult.
3. Intelligence & Coordination Gaps: Inefficiencies in intelligence-sharing between central and state agencies can delay timely countermeasures.
4. Terror Financing: Hawala networks, fake currency, and international funding continue to support terrorist activities despite strict financial monitoring.
5. Porous Borders: Long, difficult-to-monitor borders with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal enable the movement of terrorists and illegal arms.
6. Judicial & Legal Challenges: Slow trials, difficulty in securing convictions, and human rights concerns complicate counter-terrorism efforts.
7. Urban & Lone-Wolf Attacks: Self-radicalized individuals and urban terrorism pose unpredictable threats, making prevention more difficult.
Way forward
1. Strengthening Intelligence Networks: Enhancing real-time coordination between intelligence agencies and security forces to prevent terrorist activities.
2. Modernizing Law Enforcement: Equipping security agencies with advanced technology, AI-based surveillance, and forensic capabilities for efficient counter-terrorism operations.
3. International Cooperation: Strengthening diplomatic ties and security partnerships with other countries for intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism efforts.
4. Counter-Radicalization Programs: Implementing education and awareness campaigns to prevent youth from being influenced by extremist ideologies.
5. Securing Borders: Further improving border fencing, surveillance, and cross-border counter-terrorism operations to curb infiltration.
6. Tackling Terror Financing: Strengthening financial monitoring and strict implementation of anti-money laundering laws to disrupt terror funding networks.
7. Expediting Judicial Processes: Establishing fast-track courts for terrorism-related cases to ensure swift trials and strict punishments.
Conclusion
India has made significant progress in counter-terrorism efforts through legislative measures, intelligence reforms, and military operations. However, emerging threats like cyber terrorism and lone-wolf attacks require adaptive strategies. A multi-pronged approach, including legal, military, intelligence, and diplomatic efforts, will be crucial in ensuring long-term national security.
Download Plutus IAS Current Affairs (Eng) 22nd March 2025
Prelims Questions
Q. With reference to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The NIA was established in 2008 after the Mumbai 26/11 attacks to investigate and prosecute terror-related cases.
2. The NIA has the authority to investigate cases only within Indian territory and does not have jurisdiction outside India.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A
Mains Questions
Q. Discuss the major challenges faced by India in countering terrorism and suggest effective measures to address them. (250 words, 15 marks)
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