Terrorism is a global scourge. How has it manifested in India? Elaborate with contemporary examples. What are the counter measures adopted by the State? Explain.

Manifestations of Terrorism in India with Contemporary Examples

India faces a wide array of terrorist threats, influenced by political, ideological, ethnic, and religious factors. These threats aim to destabilize the social fabric, create insecurity, and disrupt development.

• Cross-Border Terrorism: This remains a significant threat, primarily originating from Pakistan-based groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
  • Example: The 2019 Pulwama attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed on a CRPF convoy, and recent attacks in Jammu & Kashmir like the Reasi bus attack (2024) and Pahalgam encounter (2025). The emergence of drone warfare, with over 300 drone sightings in J&K in 2024, indicates evolving tactics.
• Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)/Naxalism: Maoist insurgents operate in the "Red Corridor" across several states, challenging state authority through violent means.
  • Example: The IED blast in Dantewada (2023) in Chhattisgarh, which killed 10 District Reserve Guard personnel, highlights their continued violent tactics.
• Home-Grown Radicalization and Urban Terror Networks: The influence of global jihadist ideologies, like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, leads to self-radicalized modules and lone-wolf attacks, often facilitated by online propaganda.
  • Example: The Coimbatore car blast incident (October 2022) was linked to ISIS-inspired modules. There have also been arrests of ISIS-linked individuals in Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana (2020-23).
• Regional Insurgencies: Ethno-nationalist and separatist movements in the Northeast and other regions sometimes resort to terror tactics.
  • Example: Activities by groups like the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) in Assam. The 2023 ambush by PLA (Manipur-based insurgents) targeting security forces near the Indo-Myanmar border also exemplifies this.
• Narco-Terrorism and Cyber-Terrorism: The nexus between drug trafficking and terrorism (narco-terrorism) fuels extremist activities, particularly in border states. Cyber platforms are increasingly used for recruitment, propaganda, and financing.
  • Example: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has busted pro-ISIS online propaganda modules targeting Indian youth (2022-23).

Countermeasures Adopted by the State

India has adopted a multi-pronged strategy encompassing legal, institutional, operational, and technological measures to combat terrorism with a "Zero-Tolerance" policy.

Legal Framework:

• Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA): This is India's primary anti-terrorism law. Amended significantly over the years (e.g., 2004, 2008, 2019), it provides special procedures to deal with terrorist activities. The 2019 amendment empowered the Union Government to designate individuals as terrorists without formal judicial process, in addition to organizations, and expanded its scope to include cyber-terrorism and terrorist financing.
• Other State-level Anti-Terror Laws: States like Maharashtra (MCOCA) and Karnataka also have specific laws to try suspected terrorists.

Institutional Measures:

• National Investigation Agency (NIA): Established in 2008 post-Mumbai attacks, the NIA is India's principal counter-terrorism law enforcement agency. It has concurrent jurisdiction nationwide to investigate and prosecute offences with national and cross-border implications, including terrorism, without state government permission. The 2019 amendment expanded its mandate to include human trafficking, prohibited arms, and cyber-terrorism, and its jurisdiction beyond India.
• National Security Guard (NSG): A specialized counter-terrorism force for hostage rescue and anti-hijack operations.
• Multi-Agency Centre (MAC): Under the Intelligence Bureau (IB), it facilitates real-time intelligence sharing among central and state agencies.
• Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Cell: Established in the Ministry of Home Affairs (2011) to coordinate efforts against terror financing. The NIA also has a Terror Funding and Fake Currency Cell (TFFC).

Operational and Technological Strategies:

• Robust Counter-Terror Operations: Proactive measures, including area domination operations and cross-border strikes (e.g., Operation Sindoor 2025 to eliminate TRF/LeT operatives post-Pahalgam attack). India has also conducted surgical strikes against terrorist camps (2016, 2019).
• Border Management: Implementation of the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) with smart fencing, sensors, drones, and satellite surveillance, particularly along vulnerable borders. Regular border coordination meetings with neighboring countries.
• Cyber Monitoring: Use of AI-based surveillance, facial recognition, and cyber monitoring to track radical content, sleeper cells, and prevent online radicalization. NATGRID (National Intelligence Grid) aims for real-time data access across security and intelligence agencies.
• International Cooperation: Bilateral and multilateral cooperation with countries like the U.S. (Counterterrorism Joint Working Group, special forces exercises) and participation in forums like FATF, Quad Counterterrorism Working Group, and BRICS seminars on misuse of the internet for terrorist purposes.