Terrorism Now ‘Borderless and Invisible’, Requires Cutting-Edge Technology: Shah at Anti-Terror Conference

Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the pressing need for advanced technology to combat “borderless and invisible” terrorism during the opening session of the ‘Anti-Terror Conference-2024’. Shah underscored that modern terror threats transcend borders and remain largely unseen, necessitating a tech-savvy approach to counter them effectively.

“The terrorist attacks and their conspiracies are against us in a borderless and invisible manner. Young officers must be equipped with the latest technology and undergo specialized training to combat this. This will become a core part of their preparation in the coming days,” Shah stated.

Unveiling of National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy

In a significant announcement, Shah revealed that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will soon introduce a National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy as part of its proactive measures against terrorism. This strategy, he explained, will build on existing policies and strengthen coordinated action against terrorism.

“We are advancing the Home Ministry’s proactive stance to counter terrorism, terrorists, and the broader terrorism ecosystem. A comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy is on the way,” Shah declared. He emphasized, however, that policing remains a state subject, and that state police forces will lead the charge against terror, with full support from central agencies for intelligence sharing and operational backing.

Global Recognition for India’s Zero-Tolerance Policy

Shah credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism with enhancing India’s international standing, stating that this approach has been embraced globally. Reflecting on the sacrifices made to uphold national security, Shah noted, “Since independence, 36,468 police personnel have sacrificed their lives to maintain internal security and protect our borders. I pay tribute to their bravery and thank their families on behalf of the nation.”

Over the past decade, he said, India has fortified its anti-terrorism framework, with PM Modi’s zero-tolerance stance catalyzing the establishment of a robust anti-terror ecosystem within the country.

Organized by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the two-day ‘Anti-Terror Conference-2024’ aims to foster coordination across stakeholders through a ‘Whole of Government’ approach. Discussions will target future policy suggestions, challenges related to emerging technology, and strategies to dismantle terror networks.

According to the MHA, senior police officers from States and Union Territories, officials from central agencies, and experts in law, forensics, and technology are attending the conference to collaborate on key issues, including the evolving legal framework for counter-terrorism, international legal cooperation, and sharing of best practices.

The conference represents a continued commitment to addressing terrorism’s evolving landscape, with a focus on prosecution, technological adaptation, and cooperative strategies to enhance national and regional security.