360-degree strategy to combat terror, secure borders in place: Nityanand Rai

New Delhi, Jul 29: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday informed the Lok Sabha about the measures taken by the Government of India to strengthen internal and border security and to curb internal and cross-border terrorism.
In a written reply to a question, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, outlined a multi-dimensional strategy focusing on operational preparedness, legal enforcement, surveillance and international cooperation.
Rai said that while ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ fall under the State List as per the Constitution, the Centre has taken several initiatives to support state governments and national agencies. These include the enhancement of the counter-insurgency grid, deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and modernization of security equipment.
Capacity-building programs are regularly conducted for state police forces, law enforcement and cyber investigation agencies.
To strengthen border security, the government has implemented the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), which uses surveillance tools like sensors, ground radars, UAVs, and satellite monitoring. Strategic infrastructure projects such as roads, tunnels, bridges and check posts are being developed, and coordinated patrols are carried out with neighboring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
Efforts to combat terrorism include preventive operations by CAPFs, the Army and State Police. Investigations led by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) aim to dismantle support networks and expose those aiding terrorist activities.
Legal provisions under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967 and the NIA Act, 2008 support prosecution, the reply reads, adding that technology tools like artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and facial recognition are employed to detect networks, while online spaces are monitored to prevent radicalization.
In response to a question on financial support to terrorists, Rai said a Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Cell has been operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs since 2011. The NIA hosts a Terror Funding and Fake Currency Cell, and the FICN Coordination Centre (FCORD) facilitates information sharing among agencies. Financial channels, NGOs, and hawala networks are under continuous surveillance.
Regarding sanctions, Rai stated that actions under UN Security Council Resolutions 1267 and 1373, and Section 51(A) of the UAPA, 1967, include freezing of assets, travel bans, and restrictions on fund transfers for designated individuals and organizations.
India has Joint Working Groups on Counter-Terrorism with 26 countries and participates in 5 multilateral forums: ASEAN, BIMSTEC, BRICS, EU, and QUAD-CTWG. It also maintains a stand-alone dialogue with Tunisia.
On the role of intelligence agencies, the MoS Home said national and state-level agencies operate jointly through the Multi Agency Centre (MAC) and State Multi Agency Centres (SMACs), sharing real-time intelligence. Coordination among central forces, state police, and technical intelligence units has been increased, along with the strengthening of State Intelligence Bureaus. (KNO)