Accordingly, new additional posts have been created to strengthen the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Simultaneously, steps are afoot for effective operationalisation of institutional mechanisms for intelligence gathering, analysis, sharing and coordination with State Governments.

Other measures include creation of a Multi Agency Centre (MAC), Subsidiary Multi Agency Centres (SMACs), Joint Task Force on Intelligence (JTFI), Inter-State Support Teams (ISSTs), and Central Scheme for Victims of Terrorist and Communal Violence. The new scheme to assist victims of terrorist and terrorist violence includes militancy and insurgency as well. The scheme has been in vogue since April 1, 2008. It includes a sum of Rs.3 lakhs to be given to the affected family irrespective of number of deaths in a family in a particular incident involving terrorist violence or communal riots or militant attack or insurgent attack.

Other steps include assistance to States like material and logistic supports for preventive, precautionary and protective measures.

As for the legal frame for tackling terrorism, an inquiry in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs revealed that the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 provides legal mechanism. The Act provides for more effective prevention of certain unlawful activities of individuals and associations. Chapters 2 and 3 of the Act provides for ban on organisations and punishment for unlawful associations. Chapters 4 and 5 of the law define acts of terrorism and provide punishments for terrorism and related offences. Chapter 6 of the legislation provides framework for dealing with terrorist organisations. Currently, 32 organisations throughout the country have been declared terrorist outfits and proscribed.

In the well considered views of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, more draconian laws like POTA or TADA are not needed, as these legislations during their respective currency had been used largely against particular community in sheer violation of overall peace, harmony and progress of the nation. Effective implementation of the law would go a long way in fighting terrorism, maintained the Ministry.


Investigations into recent terrorist incidents like attack on CRPF Group Centre at Rampur, serial bomb blasts at Jaipur on May 13, 2008, back to back serial blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad on July 25-26, 2008, followed by recovery of a large number of unexploded bombs in Surat, have so far indicated involvement of local elements with support of externally based and sponsored terrorist outfits. Local elements have been involved in planning and execution of terrorist activities with continuing involvement of groups outside the country, increasing use of sophisticated use of technology and communication devices to avoid successfully detection in the process of planning and execution.

Modus operandi of terrorist groups involves recruiting and training local modules and activating them when required, maintaining continuous flow of finances to sustain terrorist network, supplying hardware through land and sea routes, targeting vital installations, economic infrastructure, VIP and political leaders, attacking soft targets like market places, mass transit systems, places of worship, congregations and so on. Terrorists also provoke communal tensions to create a wedge between communities.

According to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, there is a nexus between terrorism and organized crimes. Synergy and operational links between terrorists and organized crimes syndicates are, therefore, being dealt with effectively. Such links have inter-State, national and international ramifications, and have a direct bearing on the national security of India. Terrorism and certain types of organized crimes like drug trafficking, money laundering, extortions, counterfeit currency notes or fake Indian currency notes, arms trade and so, do impinge our security. Information with the Ministry of Home Affairs indicates that fake Indian currency notes are printed abroad, particularly in Pakistan, and smuggled into India through networks spread over countries like Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UAE and others.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been designated a nodal agency to coordinate with States in fake currency notes related matters, along with other organisations and agencies.

With the States resisting formation of a Federal Agency for investigation and effective tackling of inter-State crimes like terrorism, militancy, insurgency and other subversive activities, States would have to take major blames for such lapses. States must not be allowed to eat the cake of Law and Order without meaningfully tackling it. The Centre must enforce its over-riding primacy in maintaining national security, integration and communal harmony, peace and progress by making the States behave in order to let the newly strengthened well integrated coordinated approach to tackle terrorism, militancy, insurgency and other subversive activities across the country!#