Recently, many tourists were killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, J&K.

About Terrorism

• The term “terrorism” originated from the Reign of Terror (Regime de la Terreur) of 1793-94.

Definition of Terrorism

• There is no universally accepted legal definition of terrorism.

• United Nations Crime Branch: The short legal definition proposed by Schmid to the United Nations Crime Branch (1992) is that Act of Terrorism = Peacetime Equivalent of War Crime.
• League of Nations Convention (1937): Describes terrorism as “all criminal acts directed against a State and intended or calculated to create a state of terror in the minds of particular persons or a group of persons or the general public”. .

Position in India

• No IPC Provision: Terrorism is not explicitly defined in the Indian Penal Code, 1860. 
  • The first specific law was the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), 1987, followed by POTA (2002), which was repealed in 2004. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 was amended in 2004 and 2019 to define terrorist acts​.
• Definition under UAPA: A terrorist act includes any action done with intent to threaten the unity, integrity, security, or sovereignty of India by means such as bombs, firearms, chemicals, or biological weapons that cause death, injury, or destruction​.
• 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.
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS, 2023): Defined under Section 113 as any act done with the intent to threaten the unity, integrity, sovereignty, security, or economic security of India, or to strike terror in the people. 
  • This includes acts like using explosives, firearms, or other hazardous substances to cause death, injury, property damage, or disruption of essential services.
• Indian Legal Focus: Unlike Western definitions, Indian law does not emphasize the ideological or religious motives behind terrorism. 
  • The focus is more on the nature of the act and its impact rather than the underlying intent​.

Terrorism-Affected Regions

• Jammu & Kashmir: Frequent attacks by Pakistan-based terror outfits like LeT, JeM, and TRF. 
  • Targets include civilians, security forces, and infrastructure—backed by cross-border infiltration.
• North-East India: Ethno-nationalist insurgencies by groups like ULFA and NSCN demand autonomy or secession.
  • Militancy stems from ethnic identity, economic neglect, and border complexities.
• Central India (Red Corridor): Affected by Maoist (Naxalite) violence seeking to overthrow the democratic state through armed revolution.
  • Strongholds include Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and parts of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
• Urban India (Hinterland): Major cities like Delhi and Mumbai have faced coordinated bomb blasts by Indian Mujahideen and SIMI.
  • Attacks aim to create panic and highlight sleeper cell activity within urban areas.
• Punjab (historical): Witnessed Khalistani separatist terrorism during the 1980s–90s, now largely under control.
  • Occasional revival attempts are made via foreign propaganda and funding.

Reasons for Terrorism in India

• State-Sponsored Terrorism (Especially from Pakistan): Pakistan uses terrorism as a tool of foreign policy via proxy groups like LeT and JeM.
  • The 2019 Pulwama attack was orchestrated by a Pakistan-based suicide bomber; ISI funds terror through fake currency, charities like Al-Rashid, and drug money​.
• Ideological Extremism (Left-wing and Right-wing): Extremist ideologies justify violence to achieve political or social change.
  • Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) remains active in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
• Separatist and Ethno-Nationalist Movements: Some regions seek secession or autonomy due to identity-based grievances.
  • Khalistan movement (1980s–90s) and renewed efforts from diaspora groups; Northeast insurgent outfits seek ethnic identity recognition​.
• Radicalisation and Online Propaganda: Terror groups use social media to spread extremist ideologies and recruit youth.
  • In February 2024, four youth were arrested for being radicalized through online means including honey-trapping and social media propaganda​.
• Organized Crime and Narco-Terrorism: Terrorist groups fund operations through criminal activities like drug trafficking.
• High youth unemployment: High youth unemployment, marked by economic instability, increases susceptibility to terrorist recruitment, which offers a sense of purpose and financial gain.
• 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.
• Technological and Global Influences: Globalisation and tech access have expanded terror reach through digital communication and logistics.
  • Terrorists use encrypted apps and internet platforms to coordinate attacks and share propaganda; international support helps revive groups like TRF​.

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.
• National Investigation Agency (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.
  • Established post-Kargil, this IB-led grid enables 24/7 intelligence coordination across central and state agencies.
• 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.

Challenges in Combating Terrorism in India

• Porous Borders and Geographical Vulnerability: India shares long and porous borders with Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, which facilitate infiltration.
  • Maritime borders, especially the western coast, have also been exploited (e.g., 26/11 Mumbai attacks).
• Organised Crime and Narco-Terrorism: Terrorists increasingly partner with criminal syndicates for weapons, logistics, and safe havens.
  • Drug and arms smuggling across borders in Punjab and J&K funds terrorism​.
• Use of Advanced Technology: Terrorists exploit encrypted apps, VPNs, and drones, making surveillance and tracking difficult.
  • Drone attacks like the 2021 Jammu Air Force Station bombing highlight these threats​.
• Cross-Border Terrorism and State Sponsorship: Terror groups like LeT and JeM receive backing from Pakistan’s ISI to infiltrate Indian territory.
  • The 2019 Pulwama attack was carried out by a Pakistan-based suicide bomber​.
• Radicalisation via Social Media: Terrorist propaganda on platforms like Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram has radicalized Indian youth.
  • In Feb 2024, NIA arrested 4 individuals radicalized online, including via honey-trapping​.
• Inadequate Coordination Among Agencies: Lack of seamless information sharing between state and central forces weakens rapid response. 
  • Despite MAC’s role, coordination lapses still exist, affecting field operations​.
• Legal and Structural Hurdles: Federal complexities hinder uniform counter-terror frameworks; misuse of laws breeds mistrust.
  • Delay in setting up the National Counterterrorism Center and misuse concerns in laws like TADA and POTA led to their repeal​.
• Terror Financing: Inadequate monitoring of hawala transactions, misuse of charities, and NGOs.
  • India has improved compliance with FATF norms, but enforcement remains uneven.
• Emerging Cyber and Bioterror Threats: Terrorists could weaponize biological agents or critical data systems. 
  • India’s immigration database was breached by a Chinese firm—highlighting cyber vulnerability​.

Way Forward for Combating Terrorism in India

• Strengthen Intelligence Coordination: Enhance real-time data sharing across agencies like MAC, NIA, and State Police.
  • Operationalize NATGRID fully and integrate it with AI-based threat analysis.
• Regulate and Monitor Digital Platforms: Curb online radicalization by tracking encrypted channels and social media handles.
  • Set up a cyber command center to monitor and act against digital terror content.
• Target Terror Financing Ecosystem: Block narco-terrorism, hawala, and misuse of NGOs through robust financial surveillance. 
  • Expand FIU’s role and audit foreign-funded NGOs under FCRA guidelines.
• Boost Capacity of Police and Security Forces: Invest in counter-terror training, weapons, and technology at the state level.
  • Create Special Counter-Terror Units in every major state on the NIA model.
• Balance Security with Civil Liberties: Avoid misuse of laws like UAPA to prevent alienation and uphold democratic values.
  • Ensure judicial oversight and periodic review of arrests under anti-terror laws.
• De-radicalization and Community Outreach: Promote education, employment, and inclusive governance to undercut extremist influence. 
  • Implement rehabilitation schemes for misguided youth and involve community leaders.
• International Cooperation and Border Management: Collaborate globally through FATF, INTERPOL, and bilateral ties to track cross-border threats.
  • Strengthen border surveillance with drones and high-tech fencing, especially on western front.

Conclusion

Terrorism in India, driven by diverse factors like state-sponsored groups, ideological extremism, and socio-economic vulnerabilities, poses a significant threat to national security. By balancing security with civil liberties and addressing root causes like poverty and radicalization, India can effectively combat this multifaceted challenge.

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