Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Terrorism, defined by the United Nations as “criminal acts intended or calculated to provoke a state of terror in the general public, a group of persons or specific persons,” remains a persistent and evolving threat to national and international security. The recent rise of transnational terrorist groups like ISIS and the continued presence of regional actors necessitate a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to counter this menace. India, having experienced terrorism for decades, understands its devastating consequences and requires robust strategies to safeguard its citizens and interests. This answer will explore potential solutions and the financial networks that fuel terrorism.
Solutions to Curb Terrorism
Addressing the scourge of terrorism requires a holistic strategy encompassing preventative, reactive, and rehabilitative measures.
Preventative Measures
- Strengthening Intelligence Gathering: Investing in human intelligence (HUMINT) and technical intelligence (TECHINT) capabilities is crucial. The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), established in 2009, aims to create a comprehensive database of terrorist activities, but requires further strengthening and inter-agency coordination.
- Border Management: Enhancing border security through technological upgrades (surveillance systems, drones) and increased personnel is vital to prevent the influx of terrorists and weapons.
- Counter-Radicalization Programs: Addressing the root causes of radicalization – poverty, social exclusion, and extremist ideologies – through education, employment opportunities, and community engagement programs.
- Cyber Security: Disrupting online radicalization and recruitment efforts by monitoring and removing extremist content from the internet. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) plays a key role here.
Reactive Measures
- Strengthening Security Forces: Equipping security forces with modern weaponry, training, and intelligence to effectively respond to terrorist attacks.
- Specialized Units: Maintaining and enhancing specialized counter-terrorism units like the National Security Guard (NSG) and Special Protection Group (SPG).
- Legal Framework: Utilizing existing laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 (amended in 2019) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008, effectively while safeguarding civil liberties.
- International Cooperation: Sharing intelligence, coordinating security measures, and conducting joint operations with other countries. India actively participates in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Rehabilitative Measures
- De-radicalization Programs: Implementing programs to rehabilitate and reintegrate former terrorists into society. These programs should focus on psychological counseling, vocational training, and religious re-education.
- Victim Support: Providing comprehensive support to victims of terrorism, including financial assistance, psychological counseling, and legal aid.
Major Sources of Terrorist Funding
Terrorist organizations rely on a diverse range of funding sources, making it challenging to disrupt their financial networks.
State Sponsors
Certain states provide financial, logistical, and political support to terrorist groups to advance their foreign policy objectives. Examples include alleged support from Pakistan to groups operating in Kashmir and Afghanistan. This support often comes in the form of direct funding, arms supplies, and safe havens.
Criminal Activities
Terrorist groups increasingly engage in criminal activities to generate revenue. These include:
- Drug Trafficking: The Taliban in Afghanistan derives significant income from the opium trade.
- Kidnapping for Ransom: Groups like Boko Haram in Nigeria have used kidnapping for ransom as a major source of funding.
- Human Trafficking: Exploiting vulnerable populations for financial gain.
- Extortion: Demanding money from businesses and individuals.
- Counterfeit Currency: Producing and distributing fake currency.
Donations and Charities
Terrorist groups often solicit donations from individuals and organizations, often disguised as legitimate charities. Hawala networks, informal value transfer systems, are frequently used to transfer funds without attracting attention from law enforcement agencies.
| Funding Source | Methods Used | Challenges in Countering |
|---|---|---|
| State Sponsors | Direct funding, arms supplies, safe havens | Diplomatic pressure, sanctions, intelligence gathering |
| Criminal Activities | Drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion | International law enforcement cooperation, disrupting criminal networks |
| Donations & Charities | Online fundraising, Hawala networks, front organizations | Monitoring financial transactions, regulating charities, countering online propaganda |
Conclusion
Curbing the menace of terrorism requires a sustained and coordinated effort at both the national and international levels. Strengthening intelligence capabilities, enhancing border security, addressing the root causes of radicalization, and disrupting terrorist financing networks are crucial steps. International cooperation, particularly in intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism financing, is paramount. A holistic approach that combines hard power with soft power strategies, alongside robust legal frameworks and rehabilitative measures, is essential to effectively counter this complex and evolving threat.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.