India’s First National Anti-Terror Policy ‘Prahar’ – Key Features, Objectives & Details

India’s Ministry of Home Affairs launched ‘Prahar’, the nation’s first national anti-terror policy, shifting from a reactive to a proactive approach. It acknowledges cross-border sponsored terrorism as a primary driver, explicitly stating no link between terrorism and religion. 

The policy addresses evolving threats like cyberattacks and bio-warfare, and outlines a multi-pronged strategy encompassing inter-agency coordination, enhanced surveillance, and community engagement to counter radicalization. Read on to learn more about Prahar for competitive exams like PW OnlyIAS.

‘Prahar’ – India’s First National Anti-Terror Policy

India has faced decades of terrorism, ranging from cross-border infiltration to urban terror strikes and emerging cyber threats. The lack of a formalized anti-terror policy led to a largely reactive national response. 

To address this long-standing need and establish a proactive framework against terrorism, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has introduced India’s first official anti-terror policy, named Prahar.

For UPSC aspirants, this development is crucial from the perspective of:

• Internal Security
• Cross-border terrorism
• Cyber security and bio-security
• Counter-radicalization strategies
• Centre–State coordination

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Why India Needed a National Anti-Terror Policy?

India has historically faced severe impacts from numerous terrorist attacks, such as those in Pahalgam, Mumbai (26/11), and Delhi. A key challenge in India’s counter-terrorism efforts was the absence of a formal, codified anti-terror policy. This led to a predominantly reactive approach, responding to incidents after they occurred, rather than focusing on proactive preparedness.

This challenge is further complicated by a global issue: the lack of a comprehensive, universally accepted definition of terrorism. This absence hinders international counter-terrorism initiatives. In response to India’s long-standing domestic security needs, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched the nation’s first official anti-terror policy.

Introduction to the ‘Prahar’ Policy

The Ministry of Home Affairs has officially released India’s first national anti-terror policy on its website, named Prahar.  The central theme of this policy is a strategic shift towards proactive actions to counter terrorism. It explicitly recognizes that threats against India originate from land, air, and water.

Core Objective of ‘Prahar’

The Prahar policy document outlines several key recognitions regarding the nature of the threat India faces:

1. Cross-Border Sponsored Terrorism: The policy explicitly states that cross-border terrorism is the most significant factor driving terrorist activities in India. It identifies that other countries are actively sponsoring and providing funding to terror outfits to carry out attacks within India. These groups, referred to as “Jihadi terror outfits”, are continuously planning and coordinating attacks from across the border.
2. Official Stance on Religion and Terrorism: The MHA document makes a clear and definitive statement: “India does not link terrorism to any specific religion, ethnicity, nationality or civilization.” The policy unequivocally separates the act of terror from any faith or community.

Evolving Nature of Terrorism: From Guns to Cyber & Bio Warfare

The policy acknowledges that the methods of terrorism are evolving beyond conventional attacks.

Traditional Methods

• Kidnappings
• Armed assaults
• Explosive attacks

Emerging Threats

• Cyber attacks launched from foreign soil
• Bio-warfare involving pathogens and chemical agents
• Critical infrastructure sabotage

This expansion aligns with modern internal security challenges frequently asked in GS III.

Threat to Critical Infrastructure & Strategic Assets

The document recognizes that India is a target for all major global terror outfits, such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS, which are attempting to activate sleeper cells within the country.

A primary concern highlighted is the threat to critical infrastructure. Terrorist organizations may target the following sectors in the future:

• Railways
• Aviation
• Ports
• Defense
• Space
• Atomic Energy

The central government is working proactively and in coordination with state governments to devise strategies to protect these vital assets.

Terrorist Modus Operandi: Recruitment & Funding Mechanisms

The MHA document identifies a two-front challenge in terrorist operations:

1. External Infiltration: Terrorists trained abroad entering India to conduct attacks.
2. Internal Radicalization: Foreign terror groups actively trying to recruit Indian youth by brainwashing them, primarily through social media and other online platforms.

Furthermore, the funding and communication methods have become more sophisticated to ensure anonymity. Terror groups are now using:

• Social media platforms and messaging applications for propaganda and communication.
• The Dark Web and Crypto Wallets for financial transactions.

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The Way Forward: Multi-Pronged Counter-Terror Strategy

The ‘Prahar’ policy outlines a comprehensive, forward-looking strategy that includes:

1. Proactive Governance & Inter-Agency Coordination: The policy stresses the need to move beyond mere preparation to proactive governance. A critical component of this is enhancing integration and coordination between different security and intelligence agencies. Past failures have occurred due to information silos, and the policy aims to rectify this.
2. Capability & Surveillance Enhancement: India must continually increase its security capabilities and expand its surveillance network to counter the complex and evolving nature of threats.
3. Counter-Radicalization and Community Engagement: The policy assigns a significant role to civil society. Community leaders, religious leaders, NGOs, preachers, and influencers are identified as crucial partners. Their role is to:
   • Engage with youth to raise awareness of the adverse consequences of terrorism.
   • Prevent youth from being radicalized or straying toward extremist ideologies.
   • Help in reintegrating individuals who have been influenced by extremist propaganda back into the mainstream.

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