National Security and Counter Terrorism !! ::: India unveils new Roadmap .... More Assertive :::: Certain blank areas need "reviews"

Having practically humbled Naxalism; the Govt of India has now laid emphasis on eradicating terrorism or any other anti-India resistance.  

In a major decisive move vis-a-vis national security paradigm; the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Feb 24th,2026 unveiled the country’s new national counter-terrorism policy and strategy titled PRAHAAR. 

The strategy outlines a comprehensive framework to address evolving terror threats using a proactive approach to prevent and counter terrorist threats. 

 

PRAHAAR stands for -- Prevention of terror attacks to protect Indian citizens and interests, 

Responses, which are swift and proportionate to the threat posed, 

Aggregating internal capacities for achieving synergy in a whole-of-government approach, 

Human rights and ‘Rule of Law’ based processes for mitigation of threats, Attenuating the conditions enabling terrorism, including radicalisation, Aligning and shaping the international efforts to counter terrorism and Recovery and resilience through a whole-of-society approach. 

The Ministry said that while the nature of threats continues to change and present new challenges, the country remains committed to opposing terrorism in all its forms and manifestations

Basic study reveals : 

The new Policy document features key sections: Introduction emphasizing zero tolerance for terrorism; 

Threat Profile detailing cross-border Jihadi threats, 

global groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, drone misuse, cyber tools, and CBRN risks; 

Counter Terrorism Strategy with seven pillars; and The Way Forward for enhanced coordination.

Core Strategy Pillars (PRAHAAR)*

*Prevention*: Intelligence-led via Multi Agency Centre (MAC) and Joint Task Force on Intelligence 

** disrupting online propaganda, overground workers funding, and border security.

*Responses*: Local police first responders backed by NSG and state Counter Terrorism forces; 

** NIA investigations with high prosecution rates.

*Aggregating Capacities*: Modernization of agencies, training via BPR&D and NSG, uniform anti-terror structures.

Focus North East ::::: Spear Corps GoC Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar gracing a Tech-friendly session

Human Rights Focus: Adherence to laws like UAPA 1967, new criminal codes, and international covenants with multi-level judicial redress.

*Attenuating Conditions*: Counter-radicalization via community engagement, 

de-radicalization in prisons, socio-economic schemes against poverty.

International Alignment: MLATs (Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties)

extraditions, UN designations, and bilateral/multilateral forums.

Recovery Approach*: Whole-of-society resilience with public-private partnerships, psychological support post-attacks.

Highlights 

Emphasizes multi-agency intelligence sharing, legal updates, uniform state CT units, international cooperation against transnational threats, and tech investments to counter ICT misuse by terrorists.

There may be issues as certain blanks need closer Reviews ::

PRAHAAR’s broad framework applies to Northeast insurgents like NSCN-IM, NSCN K, ULFA(I), and Meitei groups by intensifying disruptions to their logistics, funding, and transnational links.

Need to check Jihadi links and threats over ethnic-political insurgencies.

Enhanced intelligence 

Need to work against illegal arms syndicates, 

and terror financing.

Importantly, this will directly challenge Northeast groups’ parallel economies, 

extortion, and arms smuggling in Nagaland and Manipur. 

Assam Rifles will systematically gain tech upgrades for porous Indo-Myanmar frontiers, countering cross-border modules (NSCN-IM’s China-Myanmar ties) and drone incursions. 

Will ensure 

Swift NSG/NIA responses and high-prosecution focus deter attacks.

The new policy Pushes uniform state Counter Terror units and capacity building pressure Northeast states for standardised Anti-Terrorism Squads (ATS), 

.... will aid Assam Rifles Counter Insurgency Operations.

However; there will be possibilities of risking tensions if not calibrated with ceasefires and pacts such as the NSCN-IM’s Framework Agreement and NNPG Agreed Position.

Moreover;

Attenuating conditions via de-radicalization, community engagement, and socio-economic schemes (scholarships, jobs) aims to erode recruitment in vulnerable Naga/Meitei youth, countering exploitation of unrest 

(Surrender Policy roll out a must in Nagaland).

Potential Challenges

Its jihadist/cross-border emphasis may undervalue Northeast’s ethnic sovereignty demands around complex intricacies linking flag and constitution issues as with Nagas.

This may "limit" political resolution and risk escalation of social, political and military tension if enforcement ignores nuances around AFSPA.

Wrap Up:

As a nation India/Modi Govt committed to fight terrorists and insurgents.

But we have to note more than carefully that the thin line between them is well defined.

This one has to be more centric to Counter Terror operations.

With regard Counter Insurgency operations -- the authorities/NIA and State ATS will have to apply different methodologies.

The complexities in Nagaland and Manipur will certainly need more nuanced approaches. 

There is also a major gap -- State capacity gaps persist—

Most northeastern states including Nagaland and Manipur ATS lack parity with the counterparts in Jammu and Kashmir.

This will impact enforcement and the fallout in porous terrains.

ends