Shah calls for 10-yr PRAHAAR on terror, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a conference on 'PRAHAAR - CT Policy and Strategy' in New Delhi.
• The conference called for a stronger, institutionalized counter-terrorism framework with a 10-year strategy and a whole-of-society approach.
• Shah reiterated the government's zero-tolerance policy against all forms of terrorism.
• A new 'extradition portal' was launched to expedite efforts to bring back fugitives from abroad.
• Between 2019 and 2026, 288 fugitive criminals were successfully brought back to India from 36 countries.
• More than 40 modules of the Shahzad Bhatti Network, involved in cross-border smuggling, were busted due to improved coordination.

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Detailed Insights:

• PRAHAAR is India's first comprehensive national counter-terrorism policy and strategy, unveiled by the Ministry of Home Affairs in February 2026.
• The strategy is predicated on seven pillars: Prevention, Response, Aggregating internal Capacities, Human Rights, Attenuating Conditions for Terrorism, Aligning international Efforts, and Recovery and Resilience.
• It signifies a shift from reactive counter-terrorism to a proactive and preventive approach, integrating intelligence, technology, and community involvement.
• The extradition portal aims to streamline coordination among the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, Central Bureau of Investigation, and state agencies for extradition efforts.
• The zero-tolerance policy emphasizes dismantling the entire supply chain of the terror ecosystem, not just responding to attacks.
• The policy is legally anchored in frameworks such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, and new criminal codes.
• Shah stressed the importance of extending PRAHAAR principles down to the 'thana' (police station) level for effective grassroots implementation.
• The conference served as a platform for enhanced coordination between Central and state agencies on counter-terror policy and operational preparedness.

Key Concepts Involved:

• PRAHAAR: India's comprehensive national counter-terrorism policy and strategy, focusing on prevention, response, and resilience.
• Zero-tolerance policy: A firm governmental stance against all forms of terrorism, allowing no justification for any terrorist act.
• Whole-of-society approach: A strategy that involves government, private sector, and civil society in addressing complex issues like counter-terrorism.
• Extradition Portal: An online platform designed to centralize and accelerate the process of extraditing fugitives from foreign countries to India.