India Launches Comprehensive Counter-Terrorism Policy

On Monday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) introduced India’s first detailed counter-terrorism strategy, affirming a strong stance of “zero tolerance” towards terrorism. This policy, termed ‘Prahaar,’ emphasizes the importance of intelligence-driven measures to thwart terrorist activities, particularly in the evolving digital landscape.

Overview of Prahaar

The newly unveiled policy features a multi-layered approach designed to cut off access to funds, arms, and safe havens for terrorists and their supporters. Just a day prior to the announcement, an operation in Kishtwar district resulted in neutralization of three terrorists, including the notorious commander Saifullah, underscoring the urgency of this initiative.

In the official policy document, the MHA pointed out India’s “history of sporadic instability” in the vicinity, highlighting the need for a proactive and robust counter-terrorism framework. The ministry emphasized that India has always supported victims of terrorism and underscored its commitment to a no-compromise stance against violence.

Key Elements of the Prahaar Strategy

The Prahaar policy is based on several core ideals. These include prevention, response protocols, internal capacity-building, and more. The acronym “Prahaar” encapsulates the strategy’s main components:

• P: Prevention of terror attacks to safeguard Indian citizens and national interests.
• R: Rapid and proportionate responses to emerging threats.
• A: Aggregating internal capacities to foster a unified government response.
• H: Upholding human rights and the rule of law in combating threats.
• A: Mitigating conditions that lead to terrorism, such as radicalization.
• A: Aligning with international efforts to combat terrorism.
• R: Promoting recovery and resilience through a community-oriented approach.

Cross-Border Terrorism Concerns

The ministry’s documentation acknowledges that some nations in the region have historically utilized terrorism as an instrument of state policy. India has suffered from “sponsored terrorism from across the border,” emanating from various extremist organizations. However, the MHA clarified its stance, stating that terrorism cannot be linked to any specific religion, ethnicity, or nationality and reiterated its condemnation of terrorism irrespective of its source.

Addressing Modern Threats

The MHA also flagged contemporary risks posed by technological advancements, especially the misuse of the dark web and cryptocurrencies. Groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS were cited, as foreign extremists engage in activities that promote terrorism through modern technologies.

The policy notes that these organizations often use drones to facilitate attacks, particularly in regions such as Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. Current tactics include leveraging social media and instant messaging platforms for propaganda, communication, fundraising, and executing terror operations. The document emphasizes that these groups operate discreetly, utilizing encryption, dark web resources, and cryptocurrency wallets to conceal their activities.

Conclusion

The MHA’s comprehensive counter-terrorism initiative, Prahaar, reflects India’s commitment to a rigorous and adaptive approach to national security in an age marked by digital threats. By addressing both traditional and modern forms of terrorism, the policy seeks to fortify India’s defenses while advocating for human rights and international cooperation.