The Indian Government intends to bring a National Counter Terrorism Policy, emphasising collaborative efforts to combat terrorism and dismantle its ecosystem.
Anti Terror Conference 2024
- The Anti-Terror Conference 2024 was organised by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in New Delhi.
- The conference serves as a meeting platform for operational forces, technical experts, and agencies to discuss counter-terrorism challenges and national security threats.
- Key focus areas include fostering coordination among stakeholders and providing inputs for future policy development under a ‘Whole of the Government approach.’
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- Terror Related Incidence In India: At the Anti-Terror Conference-2024, organised by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) the Home Minister highlighted a 70% reduction in terror-related incidents in India over the past 10 years.
- Significant Reduction in Violence Through State-Central Collaboration: Due to the joint efforts of state and central governments, violence has been controlled to a great extent in Jammu and Kashmir, Naxal-affected areas and the northeastern states in the last 10 years.
- NIA’s Effective Use of UAPA in Terror Cases: The Home Minister highlighted the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) successful application of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in terrorism cases.
- Of 632 registered cases, chargesheets were filed in 498, achieving a conviction rate of nearly 95%.
- Call for State Police to Invoke UAPA: He urged officers from state police forces to utilise the UAPA wherever applicable to strengthen anti-terror efforts.
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About Terrorism
- Definition of Terrorism: There is no universally accepted legal definition of terrorism.
Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT):
- In 1996, India proposed the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
- It is a proposed treaty which intends to criminalise all forms of international terrorism and deny terrorists, their financiers and supporters access to funds, arms, and safe havens.
- It is yet to be adopted by the UNGA.
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- Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) Definition: Terrorism includes actions that:
- Cause death or serious injury.
- Result in significant damage to property, including public infrastructure.
- Intend to intimidate populations or coerce governments or international organisations.
- UAPA Definition: The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act is an Indian law aimed at the prevention of unlawful activities associations in India.
- Under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), a terrorist act is one that:
Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2024:
- Published by: The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) is a report published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).
- India’s Rank: India ranks 14th in the GTI 2024 report, dropping one spot from last year.
- India is among the top ten countries with the largest decrease in terrorism-related deaths.
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- Threatens India’s unity, integrity, security, or economic stability.Instills fear in people or specific segments, both domestically and internationally.
- Factors Contributing to the Rise of Terrorism in India:
- Communal politics: Politicians often exploit religious and ethnic divisions for electoral gain, fostering an environment of distrust and hostility between communities, which can lead to violence and radicalisation.
- Extremist movements: Ideologically driven extremist groups, often motivated by religious or political agendas, use violence to advance their goals.
- Human Rights abuses: State human rights violations, like excessive force and discrimination, fuel resentment and create conditions that foster terrorism.
- High youth unemployment: High youth unemployment, marked by economic instability, increases susceptibility to terrorist recruitment, which offers a sense of purpose and financial gain.
Types of Terrorism:
- Domestic Terrorism: Perpetrated by individuals or groups within a country, targeting their own government or citizens.
- International Terrorism: Involves actors from different countries, often crossing borders to achieve their goals.
- State-Sponsored Terrorism: When governments support or condone terrorism to achieve political objectives.
- Left Wing Terrorism: It refers to violent activities carried out by groups that typically advocate leftist ideologies, often focused on issues such as social justice, anti-capitalism, anti-imperialism, and the redistribution of wealth.
- Religious Terrorism: Motivated by religious beliefs, aiming to impose specific ideologies or punish those who disagree.
- Ethno-Nationalist Terrorism: Driven by ethnic or nationalist groups seeking independence or autonomy. Example: The Tamil Tigers (LTTE) in Sri Lanka
- Cyber Terrorism: Involves the use of digital platforms to launch attacks on infrastructure or to spread fear.
- Lone Wolf Terrorism: Lone wolf terrorism refers to acts of terrorism carried out by individuals acting independently, without direct support or collaboration from terrorist organisations.
- These individuals are typically self-radicalised and driven by personal ideologies, grievances, or beliefs.
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- Poverty and Illiteracy: Poverty and illiteracy create conditions of vulnerability, making individuals more susceptible to extremist propaganda and violence as a means of addressing grievances.
- India’s Stance on Good and Bad Terrorist: In the concluding session of the 90th INTERPOL General Assembly in 2022, New Delhi, India rejected the narratives like ‘good terrorism, bad terrorism’ and ‘terrorist attack i.e big or small’.
- Terrorism Vs Insurgency:
- Terrorism: Involves the use of violence or threats to intimidate or coerce a government, society, or group, often targeting civilians to create fear and achieve political, religious, or ideological objectives.
- Example: 9/11 attacks, bombings in Madrid, or lone-wolf attacks in various countries.
- Insurgency: A rebellion or uprising against an established authority or government, typically involving armed conflict and aimed at overthrowing or challenging the ruling regime.
- Example: Insurgency In Manipur, India.
- Terrorist financing: It refers to the process of providing financial resources or support to terrorist organisations or individuals involved in terrorist activities.
- Examples: Illicit donations, trade based money laundering, drug trafficking, smuggling etc.
- Layering and Integration: Layering involves moving funds through multiple accounts to hide their origin, while integration mixes illicit funds with legitimate activities, like investments, to legitimise and conceal their source.
Key Terror Incidents
- 9/11 Attacks on the United States (2001): Al-Qaeda hijacked four planes on September 11, 2001, targeting the World Trade Center,killing nearly 3,000 people.
- This attack prompted the U.S. to launch the War on Terror, a global military campaign against terrorism.
- 26/11 Mumbai Attacks, India(2008): Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants carried out coordinated attacks on multiple locations in Mumbai, killing 166 and injuring over 300.
- Nice Truck Attack in France (2016): During Bastille Day celebrations, a truck driven by an attacker drove through crowds, killing 86 people and injuring hundreds.
- Beheading of Samuel Paty (2020): A French school teacher was killed for showing caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad in a classroom discussion on freedom of expression.
- Sparked national debates on secularism, free speech, and anti-radicalisation strategies in France.
Key Terror Organisations:
- Al-Qaeda: Responsible for 9/11 attacks and numerous global attacks.
- It is motivated by an extremist interpretation of Sunni Islam.
- Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT): Based in Pakistan, responsible for 26/11 attacks, aiming to create an Islamic state in Kashmir.
- Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM): It is an extremist group based in Pakistan.
- Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT): HuT aims to establish Islamic state and Caliphate globally, including in India, by overthrowing democratically elected governments through jihad and terrorist activities
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Key Features of the National Counter-Terrorism Policy
- Unified Strategy For Counter Terrorism: The new policy focuses on streamlining coordination between agencies like National Investigation Agency (NIA), Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), and National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO).
- This “whole-of-government” approach aims to improve intelligence-sharing, enable rapid response, and ensure coordinated action, minimising communication gaps and execution delays.
- Focus on Emerging Threats: As cyber terrorism and misinformation rise, the policy includes provisions to counter threats emerging from digital spaces.
- Proposal for Model Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Special Task Force (STF): The government has proposed a model Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Special Task Force (STF) for states and union territories.
- Standardised Platform to Combat Terrorism: These units, if adopted, will serve as a standardised structure and platform to combat terrorism.
- Flexible SOPs for State Adaptation: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the model ATS and STF are shared with states, allowing them to adapt as per their needs.
Multi-Agency Centre (MAC):
- The Multi-Agency Centre was formed in December 2001 following the Kargil intrusion and the subsequent overhaul of the Indian national security apparatus suggested by the Kargil Review Committee report
- It is a counter-terrorism grid under the Intelligence Bureau, involving organisations such as R&AW, armed forces, and state police.
- It functions 24/7, facilitating real-time intelligence sharing and coordination between central and state agencies.
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- State Rights Remain Intact: Adopting the model ATS and STF will not infringe on states’ rights, preserving their autonomy within the new framework.
- Enhanced State-Central Collaboration: The new policy aims to strengthen collaboration between state and central agencies to effectively address terrorism.Challenges Before India to Combat Terrorism:
- Organised Crime as a Key Element of Terror Funding: Organised crime plays a significant role in financing terrorist activities.
- These gangs provide logistical support, such as weapons and transportation,
- assist in money laundering,
- Facilitate the recruitment,
- Provide safe havens for terrorists.
- According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, criminals launder an estimated two to nearly four trillion dollars each year.
- Increasing Use of Technology for Terrorist Communication: Example:
- Encrypted Apps, VPN etc: Terrorist groups in India are increasingly using encrypted apps, VPNs, and secure digital tools to evade detection, complicating intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism efforts.
- Narco Drones: Drones are increasingly used to smuggle arms, drugs, and other illicit goods across borders.
- Increasing Use Of Social Media in Terror Recruitment: Social media platforms serve as a major tool for the radicalisation, ideological manipulation and recruitment of individuals, particularly youth, into terrorist ideologies.
- Terrorist groups exploit these platforms to spread propaganda, recruit operatives, and coordinate attacks.Cross-Border Smuggling: Terrorist groups exploit porous borders across India to smuggle arms, ammunition, and drugs, using these illicit activities to finance terrorism.
International Declarations Against Terrorism
- Brasilia Declaration: It was adopted in the 11th BRICS summit held in Brasilia (Brazil) in 2019.
- It emphasised that terrorism should not be linked to any religion, nationality, or civilization, and affirmed that terrorist acts are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of the underlying motivations.
- Delhi Declaration: The G20 Summit’s Delhi Declaration, adopted in 2023, reaffirmed the global commitment to countering terrorism in all its forms.
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- Evolving Terrorist Tactics: Adapting to new forms of terrorism, including cyber terrorism, radicalization via social media, and the use of advanced technologies by terrorists.Lack of Coordination Among Security Agencies: There is a lack of real-time intelligence sharing and coordination between central and state agencies hampers effective counter-terrorism efforts, despite mechanisms like the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC).
Initiatives Taken To Combat Terrorism In India
- ‘Zero Tolerance Policy’ against terrorism: The Government upholds a firm zero tolerance approach toward terrorism, reflecting a commitment to completely eradicating terror activities and their support networks.
- Creation of NIA: It functions as the Central Counter Terrorism Law Enforcement Agency in India.
- Establishment: It was established through the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
- Increase in the jurisdiction of NIA: The jurisdiction of the NIA has been increased by amending the NIA Act and now it can probe terror cases abroad too.
- Establishment of National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID): It is an integrated database for counter-terrorism, connecting the databases of 21 core security agencies in India.
- It enables round-the-clock access to comprehensive intelligence patterns for security agencies.
- Amendment of UAPA: By amending the UAPA, authorities now have the power to confiscate properties and declare organisations and individuals as terrorists.
- Preparation Of 25-Point Integrated Plan: 25-Point Integrated Plan has been prepared to stop the funding of terrorism, including Jihadi terror and Left Wing Extremism.
- Scope of Multi Agency Centre (MAC) was expanded: Scope of Multi Agency Centre (MAC), an intelligence gathering mechanism, was expanded.
- Creation of SOPs: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were developed under MAC to address critical areas like cyber security, narco-terrorism, and emerging radical hotspots.
- Prevention of Crimes: The expanded MAC framework has successfully prevented numerous crimes by addressing potential threats before they occurred.
- National-Level Terror Database
- National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS): Holds over 90 lakh fingerprint records to enhance identification and tracking of terror suspects.
- Integrated Monitoring of Terrorism (IMT): Contains data on 22,000 terrorist cases, aiding in the monitoring and analysis of terror-related activities.
- National Integrated Database on Arrested Narco-Offenders: Tracks over 5 lakh offenders involved in narco-terrorism to counter the nexus between drugs and terrorism.
- National Database of Human Trafficking Offenders: Maintains data on approximately 1 lakh human traffickers, supporting efforts to combat human trafficking linked to terror activities.
- Others:
- Terror Funding and Fake Currency (TFFC) Cell: A cell has been constituted in the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to conduct a focused investigation of terror funding and fake currency cases.
- Coordination Group: FICN Coordination Group (FCORD) has been formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs to share intelligence/information among the security agencies of the states/centres to counter the problem of circulation of fake currency notes.
International Initiatives to Counter Terrorism
- UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy: The UN General Assembly adopted by consensus the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy on 8 September 2006.
- The strategy is a unique global instrument to enhance national, regional and international efforts to counter terrorism.
- The General Assembly reviews the Strategy every two years, making it a living document attuned to Member States’ counter-terrorism priorities.
- United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT): promotes international cooperation in the fight against terrorism and supports the Member States in implementing the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
- SAARC Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism (1987): A regional agreement among South Asian nations to promote cooperation in combating terrorism and extraditing terrorists within the region.
- Financial Action Task Force (FATF): The FATF works to combat money laundering and terrorist financing by setting global standards and ensuring compliance by countries through regular evaluations.
- INTERPOL: Facilitates global police cooperation and the exchange of information to fight transnational terrorism, with its secure communication systems enabling swift data sharing among member countries.
- United Nation Security Council (UNSC) 1267 committee: It was set up in 1999 (updated in 2011 and 2015) allows any UN member state to propose adding the name of a terrorist or terror group to a consolidated list.
- The 1267 list of terrorists is a global list, with a UNSC stamp
- Arab Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism: It was signed at meeting held at the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States in Cairo on 22 April 1998.
- The Organisation of African Unity (OAU) Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism: It was adopted at Algiers on 14 July 1999. It entered into force 6.12.2002.
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Way Forward
- Balancing Human Rights with Security: There is a need to balance counter-terrorism measures with the protection of civil liberties. This includes safeguarding human rights while ensuring transparency and accountability in security operations to avoid misuse of power.
- Continuous Engagement: Engaging local leaders, conducting dialogues, and fostering trust between communities and security agencies will be crucial for effective implementation of National Counter-Terrorism Policy.
- Ensuring Policy Accountability and Continuous Improvement: Regular policy reviews and stakeholder engagement will ensure the policy adapts to evolving threats.
- Continuous training, advanced technology upgrades, and adapting to global best practices are vital to sustaining this progress.
- Counter-Terrorism Coordination and Strategy: There is a need for a uniform anti-terror structure, with better coordination between counter-terrorism squads and local police at the district level.
- Efforts should be undertaken to further enhance coordination among agencies to strengthen India’s security bastion.
- Regulating Social Media and Digital Tools: Strengthening social media regulations and investigating the use of encrypted applications, VPNs, and virtual numbers, alongside tackling narcotics trafficking, is crucial for curbing terrorism and ensuring national security.
Conclusion
India’s upcoming National Counter-Terrorism Policy is poised to strengthen the country’s internal security framework and ensure that terrorism incidents continue to decline.
November 8, 2024
