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How to Tackle Terror: National Counter-Terrorism Policy Must Look at Root Causes

How to Tackle Terror: National Counter-Terrorism Policy Must Look at Root Causes

National Investigation Agency (NIA) organised a two-day anti-terror conference on November 7 and 8 in New Delhi. 

  • The Home Minister, in his inaugural address, said that the central government will bring a “national counter-terrorism policy and strategy” soon and added that a unified approach is required to fight “terrorism, terrorists, and their ecosystem”.

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A standard operating procedure (SOP) guides the collaboration between various agencies. This includes a clear framework for how central and state forces will coordinate, with an emphasis on strengthening stakeholder engagement and fostering synergies across different sectors.

The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) would play a role in streamlining intelligence sharing, while efforts to combat cyber-terrorism could be handled through dedicated, specialised units.

Core Aspects of the Proposed Counter-Terrorism Strategy

The Home Minister outlined several key areas that will shape India’s future counter-terrorism efforts. These include:

  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Central and State Forces: The government plans to revise and standardise the SOPs that guide the response of both central and state forces.
    • The synchronisation of these procedures across jurisdictions will help in maintaining consistency and efficiency in addressing terrorism at all levels.
  • Emerging Technologies and Innovation: The use of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, big data, and cyber tools, will be integrated into counter-terrorism operations to enhance intelligence gathering, tracking, and the overall effectiveness of operations.
  • Whole-of-the-Government Approach: A successful counter-terrorism strategy requires an inclusive approach, bringing together all levels of government, from local authorities to national agencies. 
    • The HM emphasised the importance of integrating decentralised governance structures into the broader counter-terrorism framework.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

  • The aspects outlined by the Home Minister are undoubtedly critical to shaping a robust counter-terrorism policy and will play a significant role in fortifying the country’s law and order framework. 
  • However, as the policy takes its final shape, it is essential that it encompasses elements beyond merely responding to acts of terrorism. 
  • To address the underlying factors—the “whats,” “whys,” and “hows”—that precede a terror attack, the aspect of prevention must be integrated into the strategy. 
  • The goal of prevention should be to avert terror before it occurs. 

Steps for Prevention Strategy in Counter-Terrorism

  • Focus on Vulnerable Populations
    • These may include ethnic communities, at-risk youth, marginalised populations, and others susceptible to radicalization. 
    • By identifying these vulnerable sections, measures can be put in place to prevent their recruitment into terrorist activities or support for terrorism.
  • Rehabilitation and Disengagement
    • In addition to preventing new recruits, a comprehensive strategy must include the rehabilitation and disengagement of individuals already involved in terrorism. 
    • Similar to programs aimed at combating gang involvement, drug abuse, or abuse prevention, disengagement strategies should offer support and alternatives for those seeking to exit terrorism.
  • Tackling Radicalization
    • Effective prevention programs should engage with individuals at risk, providing continuous support to help mitigate their vulnerability to radical ideologies. 
    • Engaging online platforms, social media, and community leaders is essential in curbing the spread of radical views.
    • These interventions should be preventative in nature, offering counselling, education, and support to deter potential recruits from engaging in terrorism.
  • Wide Network of Partners
    • This includes local communities, civil society organisations, public-sector institutions, schools, universities, healthcare providers, police, prisons, religious institutions, and the private sector.
  • Assessment of Local Threats
    • The Home Minister’s proposal of adapting standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each state should be expanded to include continuous assessment of the regional threat landscape. 
    • Regular research and evaluation will help in refining prevention methods to meet the unique needs of different areas.
  • Whole-of-Government Approach
    • A unified, whole-of-the-government approach must be implemented, involving local governance bodies at the grassroots level. 
    • This decentralised approach ensures that counter-terrorism becomes a community-driven effort, involving all sectors of society, including rural and urban local bodies. 
  • Addressing Structural Violence
    • Structural Violence  refers to the social structures that harm individuals by denying them basic rights or needs. 
    • Long-term governance efforts should aim at reducing inequalities, ensuring access to education, employment, and healthcare, and addressing systemic injustices that may fuel terrorist ideologies.
  • Acknowledge Endogenous Factors
    • Terrorism, particularly in India, is largely an endogenous phenomenon, and a successful prevention strategy must focus on addressing the internal factors that contribute to radicalization. 

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Conclusion

Addressing terrorism requires a holistic approach that goes beyond security measures to tackle the root causes, such as socio-economic inequalities and ideological extremism.

Mains Practice

Q. How can a prevention-centric counter-terrorism policy effectively reduce the vulnerability of marginalised communities to radicalization, and what role do community-based interventions play in this process? (10 marks, 150 words)

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Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
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Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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