Context:

The recent terrorist attack in Reasi on June 9, echoes previous incidents aimed at destabilizing India.

Cross- Border Terrorism: A Continuing Challenge

• The Reasi terrorist attack, coinciding with Prime Minister's oath-taking ceremony, bears resemblance to past incidents aimed at destabilizing India, notably the 2014 attack on the Consulate General of India in Herat, Afghanistan. These events underscore the ongoing threat posed by cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan.
• The Reasi attack underscores the persistent links with terrorist groups operating from Pakistan, particularly in the Jammu region, which has witnessed multiple incidents in recent months. This highlights the enduring nature of the terrorist challenge India has faced, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, for nearly three decades.

Historical Context

• Origins and Motivations
  • Encouraged by the success of the Afghan Jihad, Pakistan's military and intelligence agencies have historically supported separatist elements in Jammu and Kashmir. This support aimed to pressure India through mass uprisings, violence against minorities, and targeted terrorist actions against prominent figures and security forces. This strategy reflects Pakistan's commitment to the "Kashmir cause" and its use of terrorism as a tool of state policy.
• Evolution of India's Response
  • India's response to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism evolved over the years, initially focusing on defensive counter-insurgency measures in the early 1990s. This period saw the gradual development of diplomatic initiatives alongside security operations to manage the volatile situation in Kashmir.

Challenges in Diplomatic Engagements and International Recognition

• Diplomatic Engagements and Their Limitations
  • The Simla Agreement of 1972 outlined India's commitment to resolving issues with Pakistan peacefully, including those related to Kashmir. However, Pakistan's resort to terrorism in the 1990s shifted the focus to addressing terrorism as a strategic threat, necessitating a blend of diplomacy and military deterrence. This approach, deeply ingrained since the 1990s, has led to a significant deployment of security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, perpetuating instability in the region.
• Composite Dialogue and Its Limitations
  • From 1998 onwards, successive Indian governments engaged in a Composite Dialogue with Pakistan, listing terrorism among other critical issues. Despite diplomatic efforts, Pakistan's reluctance to address India's concerns on terrorism persisted, reflecting its strategic doctrine of using non-state actors against India.
• International Recognition and Challenges
  • Despite India's efforts to provide evidence linking Pakistani groups to terrorist acts, international consensus on Pakistan's role remains elusive. Pakistan's strategy of plausible deniability complicates efforts to hold it accountable for state-sponsored terrorism.

India in Response to Cross-Border Terrorism

• Public Opinion and Policy Responses
  • Public sentiment in India often favors military retaliation following major terrorist attacks, as seen after incidents like the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2019 Pulwama attack. However, governments have opted for diplomatic measures to garner international support while pressuring Pakistan to act against terrorist groups operating from its soil.
• Military Actions: Balakot and Surgical Strikes
  • Instances like the 2019 Balakot airstrike and surgical strikes post the Uri attack in 2016 marked departures from diplomatic approaches, signaling India's readiness to use military force against "unacceptable" terrorist threats emanating from Pakistan.
• Strategic Imperatives and Future Directions
  • Following the Reasi attack, External Affairs Minister reiterated India's commitment to addressing cross-border terrorism through international cooperation and advocacy. Emphasizing the escalation risk posed by terrorism between nuclear-armed nations, India seeks global support in curbing Pakistan-backed terrorism.

India’s Framework for Combating Terrorism

• Legislative Measures:
  • Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA): Enacted in 1967, the UAPA aims to prevent and address activities that threaten India’s sovereignty and integrity.
  • NIA (Amendment) Act, 2019: This amendment empowers NIA officers to investigate offences committed outside India and mandates the establishment of Special Courts.
• Other Measures:
  • Terror Funding and Fake Currency (TFFC) Cell: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formed a dedicated cell to investigate cases related to terror funding and counterfeit currency.
  • Focus on Counterfeit Currency: By preventing terrorists from accessing fake currency, authorities can disrupt their financial networks and reduce their capability to fund and execute attacks effectively.
  • Fake Indian Currency Note (FICN) Coordination Group: Formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, this group facilitates intelligence sharing among state and central security agencies to combat the circulation of fake currency.
  • National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID): Utilizing big data and analytics, NATGRID enhances the tracking of potential terrorists and the prevention of terrorist activities by integrating intelligence from various agencies.

Measures to Curb Cross- Border Terrorism

• Capacity Building and Intelligence Strengthening: Enhancing the skills and resources of security personnel, coupled with improved intelligence gathering and sharing, enhances the ability to prevent and respond to terrorist threats effectively.
• Enhanced Coordination between Security Agencies: Strengthening coordination between domestic and international agencies is crucial to preempt terrorist activities, especially in addressing linkages between terrorism and transnational organized crime.
• Securing Borders: Strengthening border security to prevent terrorist infiltration and the smuggling of arms and funds.
• Curbing Terror Financing: Addressing terrorist financing involves enforcing anti-money laundering laws and tracking illicit financial transactions to disrupt the financial networks of terrorist organizations.
• No Money for Terror (NMFT) Conference: Recent initiatives like the NMFT Conference underscore efforts to combat terrorism financing.
• Countering Radicalization: Developing effective counter-narratives and programs to neutralize radical ideologies and reintegrate radicalized individuals into mainstream society through education and vocational training.
• Community Engagement: Promoting community policing and fostering trust between law enforcement and local communities to encourage reporting of suspicious activities.

Conclusion

Since the abrogation of Article 370 in January, the India has reported a significant decline of 66% in terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir. Historically active with militants in the 1990s, regions like Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch experienced a containment of insurgency until 2021. However, over the past three years, there has been a resurgence of terrorist attacks. The Reasi attack underscores the urgent need for India to refine its response to cross-border terrorism, balancing diplomatic initiatives with robust security measures. By continuing to highlight Pakistan's role in sponsoring terrorism and engaging with the international community, India aims to mitigate threats to its national security while promoting regional stability.

Source: The Hindu