Terrorism in India: Types of Terrorism & Counter-Terrorism Efforts

Context

The recent gruesome terrorist attack in Pahalgam has thrown several challenges to India on multiple fronts by endangering the economic revival and normalisation efforts, and highlighted long-standing bugs in intelligence and security measures. Here, we’ll go through a complete article on Terrorism in India.

About Terrorism

(i) It is generally defined as the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, specifically against civilians, to accomplish political, ideological, or religious objectives. It is a global challenge that destabilises peace, security, and affects human rights.

(ii) According to the United Nations, there is no universally accepted definition of terrorism, but in general terms it is understood as willful acts intended to cause death or serious harm to civilians or non-combatants to intimidate a population, or to compel a government or international organisation to act or refrain from acting.

(iii) In the context of India, terrorism includes cross-border activities, insurgencies, and radicalised attacks. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, defines a terrorist act as one that jeopardises the unity, integrity, security, or sovereignty of India or instils a threat among people by using violence or disrupting essential services.

Types of Terrorism in India

(i) Cross-Border Terrorism: Groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) continue to operate from Pakistan, targeting civilians and security forces in J&K. For eg, it includes Mumbai Attacks (2008), Pathankot Airbase attack (2016), and Pulwama bombing (2019).

(ii) Insurgency in the Northeast and Left-Wing Extremism: States like Manipur, Assam, and Nagaland are victims of insurgency because of region-specific ethnic grievances and separatist demands. For eg, the Maoist (Naxalite) threat in the ‘Red Corridor’ has always been a persistent internal security threat.

(iii) Cyber Terrorism and Financing: Terrorists today leverage digital platforms for fulfilling their needs, such as propaganda, recruitment, and fundraising. All this happened through cryptocurrency and the darknet.

(iv) Urban Radicalisation & Lone-Wolf Attacks: The increase in lone-wolf attacks and online radicalisation has supplemented existing dimensions to India’s security challenges. For eg, Groups like The Resistance Front (TRF) use hybrid terrorism tactics, employing radicalised locals for targeted attacks.

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Challenges in Counterterrorism Efforts

(a) Intelligence & Security Gaps: Despite rapid upgradation in surveillance, glitches in intelligence-sharing have led to major attacks, including the Pahalgam incident.

(b) Security and Intelligence Challenge: The attack also underscores long-standing inadequacies in intelligence and security mechanisms in J&K, despite recurring militant strikes in past years or decades.

(c) Geographical Expansion: Militant activities, earlier restricted to the Kashmir Valley, have now spread to Jammu, with more than 30 attacks between 2021 and 2024, most of which caused civilian casualties.

(d) Geopolitical Tensions: India’s strategic and diplomatic closeness to the United States has led to increased hostility from adversaries. For eg, the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, has further deteriorated relations with Pakistan.

(e) Public Sentiment & Communal Harmony: Terrorist attacks, most of the time, encourage communal tensions, making it inevitable for the dispensation to curb misinformation and social unrest.

Counter-Terrorism Efforts

(i) Legal Framework:

(a) The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) empowers agencies to label individuals as terrorists.

(b) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act created a central counter-terror agency with pan-India jurisdiction.

(ii) Institutional Mechanisms:

(a) NIA, Intelligence Bureau (IB), and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) are pivotal in intelligence collection and enforcement.

(b) Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) ensures inter-agency coordination.

(iii) Technological Integration:

(a) Here, integration of technology in security measures like deployment of facial recognition, drone surveillance, and AI-enabled threat analytics will strengthen border and urban surveillance.

(iv) International Cooperation:

(a) India partners with the U.S., Israel, etc. on intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism efforts. It is also part of global anti-terror frameworks such as: Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee

(v) De-Radicalisation Initiatives: State police and intelligence wings, especially in Kerala and Maharashtra, run community outreach and deradicalisation programs targeting vulnerable youth.

Recent Government Initiatives

(i) NATGRID: A centralised database for real-time intelligence sharing. (ii) Safe City Projects: Urban surveillance under the Smart Cities Mission. (iii) Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC)

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Way Forward 

(i) Enhanced Security Infrastructure: Leverage advanced surveillance technologies in the region, including AI-driven threat detection. Expanding special forces operations in high-risk areas.

(ii) International Cooperation: Robust counterterrorism partnerships with Saudi Arabia, the US, and European nations. Mutual intelligence-sharing initiatives to track global terror networks.

(iii) Restoring Normalcy: Prompt actions should be taken to boost security, encourage tourism, and address public concerns. Confidence-building measures can help deter the fear and threat instilled by the attack.

(iv) Community Engagement & De-Radicalisation: Implementing rehabilitation programs for radicalised individuals. Encouraging interfaith dialogues to counter extremist narratives.

Conclusion

The Pahalgam attack reflects not just an attack on innocent lives but on the very fabric of J&K’s resurgence. While taking cognisance of immediate security lapses, the central government, in collaboration with the UT government, also takes long-term measures. So as to ensure peace, stability, and economic prosperity in the region. A calculated and decisive response is essential to restore confidence in the affected region, or we can sa,y in Kashmir. Because normalcy will only come after the assurance that terrorism will not derail the progress made in J&K.