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UPSC MainsGeneral Studies Paper IIIInternal SecurityPractice question

Ideological Radicalisation and Religious Fundamentalism in Terrorism

Discuss the role of ideological radicalisation and religious fundamentalism in fuelling terrorism in India. Suggest measures to counter such radicalisation.

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How to approach

Begin by defining radicalisation as the precursor to terrorism, citing relevant statutory backing like Section 113 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Examine the role of both ideological radicalisation (such as Left-Wing Extremism and ethnic insurgencies) and religious fundamentalism in driving violent extremism. Conclude by outlining institutional, cyber, community-centric, and socio-economic measures required to build a comprehensive counter-radicalisation framework.

Model answer

304 words

Introduction

Radicalisation serves as the cognitive and psychological precursor to terrorism, which is codified under Section 113 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. In India, violent extremism is driven by both extreme political ideologies and religious fundamentalism, posing acute challenges to national security, social cohesion, and territorial integrity.

Role in Fuelling Terrorism

  • Ideological Radicalisation (Left-Wing Extremism & Ethno-nationalism): Left-Wing Extremism (Maoism) exploits perceived socio-economic marginalisation, resource displacement (jal, jangal, zameen), and systemic inequalities to justify armed rebellion against the Indian State. Similarly, ethnic sub-nationalist narratives historically fueled violent insurgencies and secessionist movements in the Northeast.
  • Religious Fundamentalism: Terrorist outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), The Resistance Front (TRF), and ISIS modules exploit theological misinterpretations and historical grievances to foster an exclusionary 'us versus them' binary. State-sponsored proxy elements weaponise religious sentiments via encrypted communications, social media, and the dark web to facilitate virtual indoctrination and lone-wolf attacks.

Measures to Counter Radicalisation

  • Legal and Institutional Architecture: Rigorous enforcement of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Section 113 of the BNS, coupled with enhanced capabilities of specialized bodies such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA), NATGRID, and the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) to monitor and intercept digital propaganda.
  • State-led De-radicalisation Models:
    • Maharashtra ATS Model: A multi-stakeholder de-radicalisation strategy engaging the affected individual's family, psychiatric professionals, respected clergy, and community elders.
    • Operation Pigeon (Kerala): Proactive monitoring of digital spaces and targeted psychosocial counselling to prevent vulnerable youth from being lured by transnational extremist groups.
  • Socio-Economic Development and Winning Hearts and Minds (WHAM): Sustained execution of developmental frameworks like the SAMADHAN doctrine in Left-Wing Extremism zones and community-outreach initiatives like Operation Sadbhavana in Jammu & Kashmir to bridge governance and infrastructural deficits.

Conclusion

Combating the multi-dimensional challenge of radicalisation demands a 'Whole-of-Society' approach, wherein kinetic counter-terror operations are reinforced by institutional intelligence, community-led counter-narratives, and targeted socio-economic inclusion.

Key facts to remember

definition
Terrorist Act (BNS Section 113)

Section 113 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 defines a terrorist act as any act committed with the intent to threaten the unity, integrity, sovereignty, or security of India, or to strike terror in the people.

case study
Maharashtra ATS De-radicalisation Model

A four-pillar intervention involving family members, clinical psychologists, respected religious clergy, and state police to rehabilitate vulnerable and radicalised individuals back into mainstream society.

example
Operation Pigeon (Kerala Police)

A proactive digital tracking and counselling initiative undertaken by the Kerala Police to identify and dissuade youth exposed to online extremist propaganda from joining transnational outfits like ISIS.

scheme
SAMADHAN Doctrine

An integrated strategy introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs to counter Left-Wing Extremism, encompassing smart leadership, aggressive strategy, motivation, actionable intelligence, and technology-driven operations.

Frequently asked questions

How does digital radicalisation differ from traditional radicalisation in India?

Digital radicalisation leverages encrypted messaging platforms and the dark web for virtual indoctrination without direct physical contact, enabling terror modules to execute peer-to-peer recruitment and inspire decentralized lone-wolf attacks.

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