Calls for stronger counter-terror mechanisms, coordination
New Delhi, Sep 28 (BuzzBytes): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday reaffirmed the Centre’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and called for institutionalising the PRAHAAR counter-terrorism strategy over the next decade.
Addressing the PRAHAAR, CT Policy and Strategy conference, Shah stressed the need for continuous assessment of terror threats, stronger coordination among security agencies and an automated counter-terror response mechanism at all levels.
He said the strategy should be implemented up to the police station level to ensure a swift and coordinated response to terror threats.
The PRAHAAR framework is built around seven pillars, including prevention, response, capacity building, human rights, international cooperation and resilience. It seeks to promote a whole-of-society approach to counter-terrorism.
Highlighting recent security operations, Shah said agencies had busted more than 40 modules of the Shahzad Bhatti network allegedly involved in cross-border smuggling of weapons, explosives and narcotics. More than 100 FIRs were registered and 350 people arrested across 15 states, he said.
Shah also launched an Extradition Portal aimed at expediting the return of fugitives. He said 288 fugitive criminals had been brought back to India from 36 countries between 2019 and 2026.
The Home Minister urged states to constitute dedicated teams to coordinate with central agencies on extradition cases.
Senior officials from the Union government, central police organisations and state police forces attended the conference.
Shah said effective implementation of PRAHAAR would require sustained coordination and a results-oriented approach.
