Prahaar Counter-Terrorism Policy (Completely Explained)

Context

The Union Government has launched Prahaar, India’s first comprehensive counter-terrorism policy. It formalises a zero-tolerance doctrine against terrorism and seeks to create a coordinated, intelligence-driven national framework to dismantle terror ecosystems, including financiers, enablers, and cross-border handlers.

Q1. What is the Prahaar Counter-Terrorism Policy and why was it introduced?

1. India has faced cross-border terrorism, radicalisation networks, and technology-enabled extremist threats.
2. Fragmented approach: Counter-terror mechanisms previously operated through multiple laws and agencies without a unified doctrine.
3. Need for a unified national doctrine: Increasing use of drones, encrypted communication, and dark web financing required structured response reform.
4. Structured Framework: Prahaar provides a doctrinal framework integrating prevention, response, resilience, and international cooperation.
5. It moves from reactive counter-terrorism to proactive intelligence-led disruption.

Q2. What are the core objectives and guiding principles of Prahaar?

1. Core Objectives
   1. Criminalise all terrorist acts without ambiguity.
   2. Cut off funding, weapons supply, logistics, cyber resources, and safe havens.
   3. Target financiers, facilitators, overground workers, and digital enablers.
   4. Ensure coordination between central and state agencies.
2. Guiding Principles
   1. Zero tolerance: No justification under any ideology.
   2. Victim-centric approach: Justice and support systems prioritised.
   3. No religious attribution: Terrorism not linked to religion or ethnicity.
   4. Recognition of state-sponsored terrorism in the region.
   5. Commitment to rule of law and due process.

Q3. What are the key pillars of Prahaar’s operational framework?

Prahaar is built on seven strategic pillars (PRAHAAR):

1. P – Prevention: Intelligence-led proactive disruption, Monitoring sleeper cells and cyber radicalisation and Targeting logistics and funding networks.
2. R- Response: Swift, graded, proportionate counter-terror action. Uniform Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Strengthened inter-agency crisis coordination.
3. A- Aggregating Internal Capacities: Whole-of-government approach. Modernisation of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs). Advanced surveillance and forensic tools.
4. H- Human Rights & Rule of Law: Safeguarding due process. Multiple appeal and review mechanisms. Legal reforms where required.
5. A- Attenuating Enabling Conditions: Graded response to radicalisation. Community de-radicalisation initiatives. Youth engagement and socio-economic inclusion.
6. A- Aligning International Efforts: Use of extradition, treaties, UN conventions. Counter-terror financing cooperation. Prevent misuse of ICT platforms.
7. R- Recovery & Resilience: Rehabilitation support for victims. Community rebuilding initiatives. Strengthening social cohesion post-attack.

Q4. What threat perceptions does Prahaar identify?

1. Cross-Border & State-Sponsored Terror: Sponsorship of jihadist and proxy outfits. Use of drones for arms trafficking in border states. Coordination between foreign handlers and local operatives.
2. Technology-Driven Terrorism: Encrypted messaging and dark web coordination. Cryptocurrency- based terror financing. Use of AI, drones, robotics, and cyber tools. CBRNED (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive, Digital) risks.
3. Organised Crime Nexus: Terror groups leveraging criminal syndicates. Recruitment through transnational networks. Logistics and illegal arms supply chains.

Q5. What are the governance and administrative implications of Prahaar?

1. Standardisation of anti-terror structures across Centre and States.
2. Enhanced role of intelligence coordination mechanisms.
3. Investment in cyber forensics and drone interception systems.
4. Strengthening district-level preparedness.
5. Integration with international counter–terror platforms.
6. Federal dimension: State police modernisation aligned with national doctrine.

Q6. What are the benefits and concerns associated with Prahaar?

Security and Governance Benefits

1. Unified doctrinal clarity.
2. Reduced inter-agency duplication.
3. Proactive radicalisation prevention.
4. Better tech readiness against emerging threats.
5. Stronger international counter-terror credibility.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

1. Risk of excessive surveillance.
2. Potential misuse of broad terror definitions.
3. Federal tensions in operational control.
4. Balancing national security and civil liberties.

The government asserts multi-layered review and due-process safeguards.

Q7. What safeguards and oversight mechanisms are built into Prahaar?

1. Due process and judicial oversight provisions.
2. Multi-level grievance redressal mechanisms.
3. Proportionate graded response protocols.
4. Legal scrutiny before designation and prosecution.
5. Alignment with constitutional rights and international obligations.

Conclusion

Prahaar institutionalises India’s counter-terrorism doctrine through intelligence-led prevention, technological preparedness, coordinated governance, and international alignment. While it strengthens operational capacity against evolving terror threats, its long-term legitimacy will depend on maintaining rule of law, federal coordination, and civil liberties alongside national security objectives.