New Delhi, Feb 24 (JKNS): The Government of India has formally unveiled its first National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy, titled ‘Prahaar’, outlining a structured seven-pillar framework to combat terror threats emanating from within the country and across borders.
As per news agency JKNS, The policy reiterates India’s doctrine of zero tolerance towards terrorism and sets out a coordinated, intelligence-driven and legally robust roadmap to prevent, respond to and neutralize extremist violence.
Prevention of Terror Attacks, The policy places primary emphasis on prevention through a proactive and intelligence-guided approach. It underscores the role of real-time intelligence gathering and seamless information sharing through the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) and the Joint Task Force on Intelligence (JTFI) under the Intelligence Bureau. Coordination between central agencies and state police forces has been institutionalized to ensure swift neutralization of threats.
Special focus has been laid on countering misuse of the internet and social media for recruitment, propaganda and financing. Law enforcement agencies have been tasked with dismantling overground worker (OGW) networks, breaking terror-funding channels and disrupting the growing nexus between terrorist groups and organized criminal syndicates. Border security across land, air and sea routes has also been strengthened using advanced surveillance and technological tools to protect critical infrastructure.
Response Mechanism, The strategy defines a multi-layered response structure wherein local police act as first responders, supported by specialized state anti-terror units and central forces. The National Security Guard (NSG) functions as the national-level nodal counter-terror force for major incidents and capacity building.
A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs ensures coordinated action at central, state and district levels. Agencies such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and state police units are entrusted with conducting terror-related investigations, with a focus on achieving high conviction rates to serve as a deterrent against future attacks.
Aggregating Internal Capacities, The policy highlights modernization and capacity enhancement of security and law enforcement agencies. Continuous acquisition of advanced weaponry, surveillance systems and technological tools has been prioritized. Training infrastructure has been upgraded to equip personnel with specialized skills in urban combat, cyber monitoring and counter-radicalization tactics.
Institutions such as the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) and NSG training centres are actively engaged in standardizing counter-terror protocols and promoting uniformity in anti-terror structures across states to ensure coordinated and synergized responses nationwide.
Human Rights and Rule of Law-Based Processes, Reaffirming India’s constitutional commitments, the policy emphasizes strict adherence to human rights and the rule of law in all counter-terror operations. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 remains the principal anti-terror legislation, supplemented by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, Prevention of Money Laundering Act and other relevant laws.
The framework provides for multiple levels of legal redressal, ensuring due process and judicial oversight from district courts to the Supreme Court. The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 and international commitments further reinforce safeguards against rights violations.
Attenuating Conditions Conducive to Terrorism, Recognizing radicalization as a key enabler of terrorism, the policy outlines preventive and corrective measures to counter extremist narratives. Intelligence agencies have been tasked with identifying vulnerable individuals and implementing graded responses, including counseling and de-radicalization programmes.
Engagement with community leaders, religious scholars, civil society organizations and NGOs has been prioritized to spread awareness against extremist ideologies. Government welfare schemes addressing poverty, unemployment and educational disparities are also seen as critical tools in preventing alienation and exploitation by terrorist elements.
Aligning and Shaping International Efforts, Given the transnational character of terrorism, the policy stresses deeper global cooperation. India has entered into Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs), Extradition Treaties and other bilateral and multilateral agreements to enhance intelligence sharing, evidence exchange and extradition of fugitives.
Active participation in international counter-terror forums and efforts to designate terrorists at the United Nations form a key component of the strategy. The document underscores that coordinated international action is vital to dismantle global terror networks and curb cross-border sponsorship.
Recovery and Resilience Through Whole-of-Society Approach, The final pillar focuses on post-attack recovery and community resilience. The government advocates a whole-of-society model involving public-private partnerships, civil administration, law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders.
Efforts include rehabilitation of affected communities through medical, psychological and legal support, reconstruction of damaged infrastructure and enhanced preventive security measures to restore public confidence. The approach seeks to ensure swift recovery while strengthening long-term societal resilience against extremist threats.
The policy concludes by reaffirming India’s commitment to continually update its legal and operational frameworks to address emerging threats, including cyber terrorism, misuse of drones and digital platforms. It asserts that national preparedness, backed by international collaboration, remains central to countering evolving terror challenges under the ‘Prahaar’ strategy. (JKNS)
