In a landmark move aimed at strengthening India’s defense against terrorism, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Thursday that the Union government is finalizing a comprehensive National Anti-Terror Policy and Strategy, which will be released soon. The policy aims to dismantle terrorist networks across the country by implementing a holistic, technology-driven strategy involving both central and state law enforcement agencies. Shah shared these developments during his address at the ‘Anti-Terror Conference-2024,’ underscoring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance of “zero tolerance for terrorism.”
Shah emphasized the critical role of state governments in executing the upcoming strategy, noting that they will lead efforts on the ground in tackling “terrorism, terrorists, and the terror ecosystem.” He pointed out that inter-agency coordination and leveraging advanced technology will be vital, urging local police forces to collaborate with national bodies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and utilize federal forensic resources. He said, “Suppressing information is not going to help the nation…We must move from ‘Need to Know’ to ‘Duty to Share.’”
The strategy also involves a shift in operational focus towards sharing intelligence seamlessly among various agencies through the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC), established under the Intelligence Bureau to centralize intelligence sharing. Shah encouraged state police forces to actively participate in building a national database of illegal weapons alongside the NIA, aiming to prevent the spread of arms that sustain terror networks.
Tribute to Police Personnel and Impact on Terror Activity
Paying homage to the 36,468 police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, Shah highlighted that India has witnessed a remarkable 70% reduction in terror activities since 2014, attributing this to concerted anti-terror operations and improved coordination.
New Legal Provisions and a Definitional Milestone
Shah pointed to significant legal reforms that, for the first time in India’s history, formally define terrorism within the country’s legal framework. New provisions in three criminal laws allow agencies to prosecute terrorists and financial criminals even in absentia, enabling more efficient action against those who evade capture.
The new policy represents a unified approach that combines intelligence, law enforcement, and technology to counter terrorism. With India’s track record of reducing terror incidents, Shah’s announcement of a national anti-terror strategy signals an escalation in efforts to secure the nation from both domestic and cross-border terrorism threats. This strategy aims to set a new standard for India’s counter-terrorism operations by leveraging information sharing, technological advancements, and strong inter-agency partnerships.
