The government on Monday unveiled India’s first comprehensive counter-terrorism policy, titled “Prahaar.” The doctrine outlines a multi-layered strategy rooted in zero tolerance. Moreover, the policy prioritises intelligence-led prevention and swift disruption of extremist violence. It seeks to deny terrorists access to funds, weapons and safe havens. Unveiled by the Union Home Ministry, Prahaar emphasises prevention and rapid response. Additionally, it adopts a whole-of-government approach against evolving threats. The document reiterates India’s longstanding position against terrorism. It states there can be no justification for violence anywhere.
Seven Pillars Form Core Strategy
Prahaar rests on seven key pillars. These include prevention, response and aggregation of internal capacities. Furthermore, it stresses rule-of-law-based processes and protection of human rights. The policy also addresses radicalisation and enabling conditions.
Additionally, it aims to shape global counter-terror efforts. Finally, it promotes recovery and resilience through a whole-of-society approach. The document notes instability in India’s neighbourhood. It highlights how ungoverned spaces often facilitate terror activities. Moreover, it states that some countries have used terrorism as state policy. However, it does not name any nation directly.
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Technology and Cross-Border Threats
Prahaar acknowledges India’s long experience with cross-border terrorism. It notes continued threats from sponsored extremist outfits. Global groups like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have targeted India. They have attempted to incite violence through sleeper cells. Handlers operating from foreign soil increasingly use drones. These technologies facilitate terror operations in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.
Additionally, terror groups leverage organised criminal networks. They use them for logistics, recruitment and funding. Social media platforms and messaging applications aid propaganda. Encryption and crypto wallets allow anonymous transactions. The policy warns about access to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive and Digital materials. It identifies CBRNED misuse as a critical risk. Moreover, hostile actors exploit drones, robotics and cyber-attacks. Therefore, authorities face rapidly evolving technological threats.
Intelligence-Led Prevention
Prahaar describes prevention as proactive and intelligence-guided. It assigns primacy to intelligence collection and dissemination. The Multi Agency Centre serves as a nodal platform. Similarly, the Joint Task Force on Intelligence supports real-time information sharing. Law enforcement agencies focus on dismantling online networks. They also disrupt over-ground worker modules and choke terror funding.
Additionally, authorities target illegal arms syndicates. They monitor emerging linkages between terror groups and criminal networks. The policy recognises threats across land, air and water. Consequently, it enhances security at borders and critical infrastructure. Power, railways, aviation, ports, defence and atomic sectors receive special focus. Local police act as first responders during attacks. Specialised forces, including the National Security Guard, provide support. The National Investigation Agency leads major investigations. High conviction rates serve as deterrents. Therefore, effective prosecution remains central to the strategy.
Modernisation and Legal Safeguards
The government emphasises modernisation of security agencies. It invests in advanced technology, training and weaponry. Moreover, it seeks a more uniform counter-terror structure across states. Indian anti-terror laws remain aligned with human rights principles. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and new criminal codes provide legal backing. Multiple levels of judicial redress remain available.
Prahaar also addresses social conditions enabling radicalisation. It calls for engagement with community leaders and NGOs. Furthermore, moderate religious voices will support counter-radicalisation programmes. Government schemes targeting poverty and unemployment complement these efforts.
International Cooperation and Resilience
International cooperation forms a critical pillar of Prahaar. India continues signing extradition treaties and mutual legal assistance agreements. Joint working groups enhance coordination against transnational threats. Additionally, partnerships with technology firms tackle digital misuse. The policy stresses recovery and resilience after attacks. Civil society, medical professionals and psychologists will support affected communities.
Looking ahead, the government calls for continuous reforms. It plans further technological investment and closer inter-agency coordination. National efforts, backed by regional and global cooperation, remain essential. Therefore, Prahaar signals a comprehensive shift in India’s counter-terror doctrine.
