In a landmark move, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has unveiled India’s inaugural comprehensive national anti-terror policy, termed PRAHAAR. This strategic initiative is designed to address multi-dimensional threats posed by terrorism, cyber threats, and other emerging security challenges.
The policy acknowledges that India continues to contend with “sponsored terrorism” emanating from neighboring countries while also facing increasing cyber threats from criminal hackers and nation-states. PRAHAAR highlights the necessity of securing critical economic sectors, including power, railways, aviation, ports, defense, space, and atomic energy, against threats across land, water, and air domains.
One of the pivotal aspects of PRAHAAR is its stance on terrorism, explicitly clarifying that the Indian government does not associate terrorism with any particular religion, ethnicity, or nationality. However, the document recognizes the persistent target of jihadi terror outfits and their affiliates, underscoring the need to monitor groups like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, which have been notably involved in inciting violence through sleeper cells and online radicalization.
The policy draws attention to the evolving tactics employed by terrorist organizations, particularly their utilization of advanced technologies such as drones, encrypted communication channels, the dark web, and cryptocurrency for fundraising and coordination. Moreover, it presents significant challenges concerning Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive, and Digital (CBRNED) threats, alongside the potential misuse of robotics and unmanned systems in lethal operations.
A central pillar of this policy is the integration of legal expertise throughout investigative processes to enhance the prosecution of terror-related cases. It emphasizes the importance of national action that is bolstered by international and regional collaborations to effectively combat transnational terrorism.
Furthermore, PRAHAAR addresses the pressing issue of radicalization, noting that intelligence and law enforcement agencies are actively working to disrupt recruitment efforts targeting the youth of India. A structured response mechanism is proposed, incorporating necessary legal actions and de-radicalization strategies involving community leaders, moderate religious figures, and non-governmental organizations. The policy also incorporates measures aimed at preventing radicalization within the prison system.
The introduction of PRAHAAR marks a significant step in formalizing a unified counter-terrorism framework in India. This policy aims to enhance institutional coordination, leverage technological advancements, and improve resilience against both physical and digital threats posed by evolving forms of terrorism.
