Calls for stronger counter-terror mechanisms, greater coordination
New Delhi, Sep 28: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday reaffirmed the Centre’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and called for institutionalising the PRAHAAR counter-terrorism strategy over the next decade.
Addressing the ‘PRAHAAR – CT Policy and Strategy’ conference, Shah, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), stressed continuous assessment of terror threats, stronger coordination among agencies and an automated counter-terror response mechanism at all levels.
He said the framework must be implemented down to the police station level to ensure swift action.
Built on seven pillars, including prevention, response, capacity-building, human rights, international cooperation and resilience, PRAHAAR seeks a whole-of-society approach to counter-terrorism.
Highlighting recent crackdowns, Shah said security agencies had busted over 40 modules of the Shahzad Bhatti network involved in cross-border smuggling of weapons, explosives and narcotics. More than 100 FIRs were registered and 350 people arrested across 15 states, while the network has been designated a terrorist organisation under the UAPA, he said.
Shah also launched an Extradition Portal to expedite the return of fugitives, noting that 288 fugitive criminals were brought back to India from 36 countries between 2019 and 2026. He urged states to set up dedicated teams to work with central agencies on extradition cases.
The conference was attended by senior officials from the Union government, central police organisations and state police forces. Shah emphasised that effective implementation of PRAHAAR would require sustained coordination and a results-oriented approach. (KNO)
