Integrated Approach Adopted to Combat Terror, Secure Borders: MoS Home

SRINAGAR: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has said that a comprehensive strategy is being adopted by the Government of India (GOI) to strengthen internal security, border security and besides combating terrorism, both domestic and across border in the country.

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai outlined a multi-dimensional approach centered around operational readiness, legal frameworks, enhanced surveillance, and international cooperation.

While policing and public order remain under the jurisdiction of state governments, Rai stated that the Centre continues to provide significant support through initiatives such as the enhancement of the counter-insurgency grid, deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and modernization of equipment and infrastructure.

The government is also investing in capacity building initiatives for state police forces, cyber investigation teams, and other law enforcement agencies.

On the border security front, the government is implementing the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), which employs advanced surveillance technologies such as sensors, ground radars, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and satellite imagery. Strategic infrastructure projects including roads, tunnels, bridges, and border outposts — are being constructed, and coordinated patrols are underway with neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

To address terrorism, preventive operations are being conducted by CAPFs, the Army, and state police. Investigations led by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) are focused on dismantling terror networks and prosecuting individuals involved in aiding terrorism.

The government is leveraging cutting-edge technology including artificial intelligence, facial recognition, and big data analytics to detect and track terror networks. Monitoring of online platforms is also being intensified to curb radicalization efforts.

Responding to concerns about the financial backing of terrorist activities, Rai informed the House that a dedicated Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Cell has been active under the MHA since 2011. The NIA runs a separate Terror Funding and Fake Currency Cell, while the FICN Coordination Centre (FCORD) coordinates intelligence sharing among agencies. Financial channels, NGOs, and hawala operations are under continuous watch.

Legal action is also being taken under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, and NIA Act, 2008. Additionally, India is enforcing sanctions under UN Security Council Resolutions 1267 and 1373, which include asset freezes, travel restrictions, and fund transfer bans for designated individuals and organizations.

On the international front, India currently maintains Joint Working Groups on Counter-Terrorism with 26 countries and is an active participant in five multilateral platforms: ASEAN, BIMSTEC, BRICS, EU, and the QUAD Counter-Terrorism Working Group. A bilateral counter-terror dialogue is also ongoing with Tunisia.

Rai further added that national and state-level intelligence agencies operate jointly through the Multi Agency Centre (MAC) and State Multi Agency Centres (SMACs), facilitating real-time intelligence sharing. Coordination among central forces, state police, and technical units has also been significantly enhanced, with special focus on strengthening State Intelligence Bureaus.