Countering Terrorism in India: Obstacles and Milestones
Countering Terrorism in India: Obstacles and Milestones
Question: Terrorism is a constant threat for developed as well as developing nations. Discuss how far India has successfully combated terrorism and the extent to which obstacles lie in the path of this.
Obstacles
• India is a soft target for militants from within and without. According to a US counter terrorism report, more than 400 persons died in terror attacks in 2013 from which 200 deaths were from Maoist attacks
• India still relies on outdated laws such asUnlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (1967), the SAARC Convention on Suppression of Terrorism Act (1993) etc
• National Counterterrorism Centre failed to come up
• Illegal migration from Pakistan and Bangladesh continues
• Terrorists backed by neighbouring nations find targets in India
• Drug money continues to be used for terror financing
• India has porous maritime borders
• Procedures are not in place to freeze assets of terror suspects
• Social media continues to be used for terror activities
• There is lack of inter agency coordination at centre and state level
• Whistleblowers are not protected adequately by intelligence agencies
• LWE continues to grow unabated without policies in place to tackle them
Milestones
• The Centre has planned a National Intelligence Grid/NATGRID for intelligence related databases in different ministries and departments
• Multi agency centre for gathering and sharing intelligence was developed
• A treaty was signed for Information exchange for aviation security with the US
• Prevention of Money Laundering Act was passed in 2012. India has become member of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering
• Criminalisation of terror financing has paved the way for swiftly apprehending militants
• Neighbouring countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh have assisted India in nabbing terrorists
• A Surrender cum Rehab scheme is in place for naxals and extremists
Facts and Stats
• 26/11 was the most heinous terror attack on Indian soil
• India is one of the top 5 terror hit nations in the world
• 12th March 1993 Serial Bomb blast was another deadly terror attack. This was one of the first terror attacks on Indian soil which resulted in mass casualties.
