Introduction

Terrorism threatens India’s security and development. The 2nd ARC classifies it into ethno-nationalist, religious, left-wing extremist, and narco-terrorism, showing its varied manifestations across regions and motivations.

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Manifestations of Terrorism in India: Contemporary Examples:

• Cross-Border Terrorism (State-Sponsored): Terror groups based in Pakistan have targeted India, especially in Jammu & Kashmir.
  • Eg: Pulwama Attack (2019) by Jaish-e-Mohammed attacked CRPF convoy.
• Left-Wing Extremism (Naxalism): Maoist insurgents challenge state authority in the “Red Corridor.”
• Urban Terror Networks: Sleeper cells and radicalisation in cities pose internal security threats.
  • Eg: Coimbatore car blast incident (October 2022) linked to ISIS-inspired modules.
• Religious Extremism and Radicalisation: Terrorist groups exploit communal fault lines for recruitment.
  • Eg: Arrests of ISIS-linked modules in Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana (2020–23).
• Northeast Insurgency with Terror Links: Some insurgent groups have engaged in terror activities with external support and hiding safe havens in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
• Cyber-Terrorism: Terror groups use social media for radicalisation, recruitment, and fundraising.
  • Eg: Pro-ISIS online propaganda targeting Indian youth, busted by NIA in multiple raids (2022–23).

Countermeasures Adopted by the State

• Strengthening Legal Framework: Special laws empower agencies to tackle terrorism effectively.
  • Eg: Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) empowers the State to ban organizations and designate individuals as terrorists.
• Specialised Agencies and Forces: Establishment of dedicated institutions for intelligence and counter-terrorism operations.
  • Eg: National Investigation Agency (NIA, 2008) and National Security Guard (NSG) for counter-terror operations.
• Intelligence and Surveillance Mechanisms: Enhanced coordination between central and state agencies.
  • Eg: Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) under IB facilitates real-time intelligence sharing.
• Technological Measures: Use of advanced surveillance, cyber-monitoring, and data analytics to track terror networks.
  • Eg: Deployment of NATGRID and cyber monitoring units to identify online radicalisation and terror financing.
• Border Management and Security: Strengthening borders to curb cross-border infiltration and smuggling of arms.
  • Eg: Border Security Force (BSF) along Pakistan and Bangladesh borders; fencing and use of drones in sensitive zones.
• International Cooperation: Collaborating with global institutions and nations to combat terrorism financing and networks.
  • Eg: India’s role in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and cooperation with the US, Israel, and European nations on intelligence sharing.

Conclusion 

India has adopted security, developmental, and diplomatic measures against terrorism, but lasting success needs tackling the root causes like alienation and radicalization. Strong community engagement, technology use, and global cooperation can help build a more resilient society.

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