Launch of PRAHAAR Counter-Terrorism Strategy

Counter-Terrorism Framework: PRAHAAR

1. Initiative Overview:

   • Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the conference on ‘PRAHAAR – CT Policy and Strategy’ aiming for a strengthened counter-terrorism framework in India.

2. PRAHAAR Framework:

   • Represents seven pillars:
     1. Prevention
     2. Response
     3. Aggregating Internal Capacities
     4. Human Rights
     5. Attenuating Conditions for Terrorism
     6. Aligning International Efforts
     7. Recovery and Resilience

3. Policy Stance:

   • The Indian government, under PM Narendra Modi, has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.

4. Strategic Implementation:

   • Emphasis on translating PRAHAAR principles to the thana (police station) level for effective local governance.
   • Continuous monitoring and analysis of terrorist incidents will guide the strategy for the next decade.
   • Importance of inter-agency coordination to eliminate delays in counter-terrorism actions.

5. New Initiatives:

   • Launch of an extradition portal aimed at expediting the return of fugitives from abroad.
   • Urged state police forces to establish dedicated teams for fugitive tracking.

6. Conference Goals:

   • Facilitate collaboration between Central and state agencies regarding:
     • Counter-terrorism policies
     • Operational preparedness
     • Inter-agency responses
     • Building long-term resilience against terror threats.

7. Data Highlights:

   • Between 2019 and 2026, the Indian government successfully repatriated 288 fugitive criminals from 36 countries.
   • Enhanced inter-agency coordination has led to the dismantling of over 40 modules of the Shahzad Bhatti Network, linked to cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives, and drugs.

8. Attendees:

   • Senior officials including:
     • Union Home Secretary
     • Foreign Secretary
     • Heads of Central Armed Police Forces
     • Directors General of Police from 15 states
     • Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chiefs from all states and Union Territories.

This summary encapsulates India's focused approach toward a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy aimed at enhancing national security and effective law enforcement through institutional collaboration and international cooperation.