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REASI AND THE ‘YEARS-OLD’ ISSUE OF CROSS-BORDER TERROR

SYLLABUS:

GS 3:

• Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.

Focus:

• The attack occurred on June 9, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s oath-taking ceremony for his third term.

Source: testbook

During the last several years thousands of civilians have lost their lives in acts of terrorism, apart from thousands of defence, paramilitary and police personnel who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

Reasi Terrorist Attack of June 9

Date and Context

• • The attack occurred on June 9, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s oath-taking ceremony for his third term.
  • This attack is reminiscent of the May 23, 2014, attack on the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Herat, Afghanistan, which took place three days before Modi’s first swearing-in.
  • Nine pilgrims lost their lives, and 41 were injured in the Reasi attack.
  • The Herat attack was foiled, with one of the terrorists neutralized by an alert Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawan.
  • Both attacks aimed to embarrass and enrage India on significant political occasions.

Objectives and Intentions

• • The primary goal was to cause disruption and humiliation on days of political importance for India.
  • Terrorists intended to take hostages and execute long-haul operations during Modi’s oath-taking ceremonies.
  • The attacks were orchestrated to project vulnerability and create chaos.
  • The incidents were aimed at influencing public opinion and international perceptions of India’s security.
  • They also sought to send a message to India’s leadership and population about the persistent threat of terrorism.

Response and Prevention

• • The alertness of security forces, particularly the ITBP, played a crucial role in preventing further casualties in the Herat incident.
  • India has been working on enhancing its counter-terrorism measures and intelligence capabilities.
  • The Reasi attack highlighted the need for continuous vigilance and preparedness against terrorist threats.
  • The security response involves both preemptive measures and immediate action to neutralize threats.
  • Collaboration with international agencies and sharing intelligence has become a priority to combat cross-border terrorism.

Years-Old Issue of Cross-Border Terrorism

Historical Context

• • The issue of cross-border terrorism has been a challenge for nearly 35 years, especially in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
  • The 1990s saw a rise in Pakistan-sponsored terrorism following the success of the Afghan Jihad.
  • Both Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto, former Prime Ministers of Pakistan, supported separatist movements in J&K.
  • The Indian state and security forces had to develop counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism strategies during this period.
  • The Assembly elections in J&K in 1996 marked a significant step towards restoring political activity amidst the ongoing conflict.

Pakistan’s Role and Strategy

• • Pakistan has consistently promoted terrorism through non-state actors as part of its security doctrine.
  • The Pakistan Army and political leaders have been committed to the “Kashmir cause.”
  • The use of terrorism aimed to pressure India by inciting mass uprisings and targeting minorities and security forces.
  • Pakistan’s approach has included maintaining plausible deniability while supporting terrorist activities.
  • The objective was to tie down Indian security forces and create instability in the region.

India’s Diplomatic Efforts

• • India has attempted to address terrorism through a combination of military action and diplomacy.
  • The Simla Agreement of 1972 emphasized peaceful negotiations, but Pakistan’s resort to terrorism has complicated this approach.
  • India engaged in composite dialogues with Pakistan, focusing on various issues, including terrorism.
  • Diplomatic efforts have included seeking international support and establishing anti-terrorism mechanisms.
  • Despite these efforts, Pakistan’s reluctance to address India’s concerns has remained a challenge.

Military and Strategic Responses

• • India has used limited military force, such as the Balakot airstrike in 2019, in response to significant terrorist attacks.
  • The doctrine of pre-emption was introduced to target terrorist preparations within Pakistan.
  • The Kargil conflict in 1999 was an instance where India used its full military strength against Pakistani intrusion.
  • The ambiguity in defining “unacceptable” attacks has influenced India’s strategic responses.
  • Public opinion in India has often favored military action over diplomatic measures in the face of terrorism.

International Recognition and Future Steps

• • Major powers recognize Pakistan’s use of terrorism against its neighbors.
  • India has provided evidence linking Pakistani terrorist groups to specific attacks, but Pakistan’s response has been inadequate.
  • The international community’s support is crucial in curbing cross-border terrorism.
  • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar aims to find a solution to the persistent issue of cross-border terrorism.
  • Highlighting terrorism as the first step on an escalatory ladder between nuclear nations is a strategy to garner global attention and action.

Steps Taken by India to Combat Terrorism

National Investigation Agency (NIA):

Established in 2008 post-Mumbai attacks, the NIA acts as a federal agency to combat terrorism.

Multi Agency Centre (MAC):

Revamped after the 26/11 attacks, MAC serves as a multi-agency intelligence coordination mechanism for counter-terrorism.

Combating Financing of Terrorism Cell (CFT-Cell):

Created to handle policy matters on combating terrorist financing and counterfeit Indian currency.

Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Membership:

India is a member of FATF, which sets international standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

FATF recently removed Pakistan from its ‘grey list,’ but included the UAE, with which India signed a free trade agreement in February 2021.

Border Security Measures:

Observation posts, border fencing, flood lighting, and deployment of modern surveillance equipment have been implemented to prevent illegal immigration.

The Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) replaces manual surveillance with electronic monitoring to enhance detection and interception capabilities.

International Cooperation:

India supports UN efforts to combat terrorism and has played a key role in shaping international opinion and prioritizing the fight against terror.

Since 1996, India has been advocating for the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) to establish a legal framework for the prosecution and extradition of terrorists.

Source:The Hindu

Mains Practice Question:

Discuss the historical context and motivations behind Pakistan’s use of terrorism as a strategic tool against India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. How has India’s counter-terrorism policy evolved in response to this threat? (250 words)

Associated Articles:

https://universalinstitutions.com/q-1-how-far-are-indias-internal-security-challenges-linked-with-border-management-particularly-in-view-of-the-long-porous-borders-with-most-countries-of-south-asia-and-myanmar/