‘Non-stop border surveillance, digital tools reduce infiltration, terror activities’

New Delhi, Dec 9: The Government of India has strengthened intelligence, inter-agency coordination, and border management over the past two years, resulting in improved detection of infiltration attempts, neutralisation of terror networks, and monitoring of online radicalisation, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
In a written response to a Lok Sabha question by MP E Tukaram, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said the GoI has strengthened the capacity of Central and State law enforcement agencies to mitigate terror risks.
Rai said that inter-agency coordination between Central agencies and State police has facilitated joint operations against terror modules involved in recruitment, financing, and other activities.
“Key measures include the expansion of Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) connectivity up to the district level to support analytical and predictive functions on violent extremism, emerging security threats, cryptocurrency, drug trafficking, terror financing, bio-terrorism, fake currency, and cyber threats,” he said, adding that the MAC-to-Subsidiary-MAC network has been upgraded with improved hardware and network speeds and AI and machine learning-enabled software for real-time analysis.
“Agencies including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and State Anti-Terrorism Squads (ATS) have enhanced digital tools for data sharing and analysis,” he said.
The Union Minister said that the NIA has circulated its handbook on investigations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act to all States and Union Territories, standardising investigative procedures.
The agency, he said, has also established the National Terror Database Fusion and Analysis Centre (NTDFAC) with big-data analytical capacity and improved coordination with the Directorate of Forensic Science Services for prioritised forensic analysis.
“Online radicalisation cases are being pursued by NIA and State police, leading to arrests, charge-sheets, and convictions. An Organised Crime Network Database is being developed on NATGRID to facilitate secure data sharing between NIA and State ATSs, with upgraded tools such as ‘GANDIVA’ supporting multi-source data collection,” he added.
Rai added, “The National Security Guard has expanded inter-agency coordination with States and UTs, conducted joint exercises, and trained personnel for counter-terrorist operations, including mock drills for counter-hijack, hostage rescue, and metro and rail interventions.”
Border guarding forces have been equipped with surveillance technologies, including drones, thermal imagers, night-vision devices, sensors, and radar systems, he added.
Under the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System, electronic surveillance, fencing, patrolling, and drone use have been increased.
These measures have resulted in reduced infiltration attempts, higher interception of drones, and recovery of arms, ammunition, and narcotics, the Union Minister said.
He said multiple terror networks have been neutralised through coordinated operations.
Rai said the government has proposed modernisation and assistance programs for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), State police, and central and state agencies. “Forensic modernisation projects worth over Rs 4,800 crore have been approved, including Rs 233 crore for 25 States and UTs to upgrade State Forensic Science Laboratories with advanced equipment,” he said.
National Forensic Sciences University off-campus centres have been established at 16 locations, and eight new Central Forensic Science Laboratories are being set up.
Financial outlays for police infrastructure schemes for CAPFs total Rs 21,710 crore from 2021 to 2025-26, while Rs 350 crore has been earmarked under centrally sponsored schemes for State India Reserve Battalions and specialised units.
CAPFs and State police forces continue to receive equipment, training, and technological upgrades for operational communication, surveillance, and inter-agency coordination, the Union Minister said. (KNO)