NEW DELHI: The NDA Government is crafting a new security strategy to replace the archaic anti-terror doctrine to deal with multiple threats growing on an unprecedented scale owing to neighbourhood factors, radicalisation through virtual world and long porous borders.
Top sources aware of the development told Express that the new policy will have imprints of spymaster and National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The new policy or tactics will heavily focus on capacity build-up and complete transformation of intelligence agencies to secure the nation from domestic and external threats.
Sources said in the last two months, over a dozen alerts have been issued by the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the nodal agency for counter-terrorism, which indicate that threat level from radical groups within the country and elements based in neighbouring countries have substantially increased.
“The new policy will focus on transformation of Intelligence agencies, upgradation of tactics training, surveillance and technology to deal with the new challenges. This will also include launching new intelligence programmes and preparing a comprehensive state policy on national security,” sources said.
Before coming to power, Narendra Modi had promised to revive the anti-terror mechanism that has been dismantled by the UPA and strengthen the role of the National Security Council, which comes under the NSA.
Nip-in-the-bud Plan
A hawkish Doval, according to sources, is aiming to develop a mechanism to neutralise striking capability of external threats, besides strengthening protective cover by equipping the anti-terror units, including financial intelligence agencies.
“The idea is to detect the fault-lines, upgrade the Human Intelligence (HUMINT) and let the specialists run the counter-terror division in liaison with local police. ‘Nip them in the bud’ is the motto of the new policy,” sources said, adding that the new offensive doctrine will empower the intelligence agencies to deal with virtual and real-life terror and the effort should be to surprise the terrorists.
A Committee is being constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) under the NSA to tackle online jihad in India. The panel will have members from various ministries and it will work as a unit to counter self-radicalisation.
Doval and Rajnath are also keen on strengthening the counter-radicalisation and de-radicalisation mechanism. The agencies will identify the vulnerable areas to prevent radical thought processes in the populace through multi-pronged efforts. According to MHA officials, around 200 suspected social media accounts are under the scanner for online indoctrination.
The Committee, which will have a dedicated team to monitor cyber space and activities of online jihadis, will work with agencies on the ground to counter radicalisation.