Centre unveils seven-pronged Prahaar counter-terror policy

  • February 24, 2026
  • Indian Polity

Hindustan Times

Centre unveils seven-pronged Prahaar counter-terror policy

I. Core Context

The article reports the unveiling of a comprehensive national counter-terror strategy titled “Prahaar”, structured around seven pillars of counter-terrorism. It signals a shift toward an intelligence-driven, coordinated, and multi-agency framework aimed at preventing, disrupting, and responding to terrorist threats.

The policy appears to integrate:

  1. Intelligence and data analytics
  2. Rapid response mechanisms
  3. Counter-radicalisation measures
  4. International cooperation
  5. Human rights safeguards

II. Key Arguments Presented

1. Intelligence-Led and Data-Driven Approach

The first pillar emphasises:

  1. Proactive intelligence gathering
  2. Data sharing among agencies
  3. Technology integration

The strategy recognises that contemporary terrorism is networked and digital.

2. Multi-Agency Coordination

The document stresses:

  1. Seamless coordination between central and state agencies
  2. Standardised operating procedures
  3. Institutionalised communication platforms

This addresses past criticisms of fragmented response systems.

3. Counter-Radicalisation and Community Engagement

A notable inclusion is:

  1. Community-based monitoring
  2. Preventing recruitment and online radicalisation
  3. Engagement with civil society

The framework acknowledges ideological and social dimensions of terrorism.

4. International Collaboration

The policy underlines:

  1. Cross-border intelligence cooperation
  2. Global partnerships
  3. Action against terror financing and safe havens

This reflects the transnational nature of contemporary threats.

5. Human Rights and Rule of Law

The inclusion of rights protection signals an attempt to:

  1. Balance security with constitutional safeguards
  2. Prevent misuse of counter-terror laws
  3. Ensure legal accountability

III. Author’s Stance

The article adopts a largely affirmative tone.

It presents the policy as:

  1. Comprehensive
  2. Structured
  3. Forward-looking

There is limited overt criticism, suggesting a supportive framing of executive action.

IV. Possible Biases and Limitations

1. Limited Scrutiny of Implementation

The article focuses on policy design but underplays:

  1. Resource constraints
  2. Federal coordination challenges
  3. Ground-level capacity gaps

Execution remains the real test.

2. Rights Concerns Underexplored

While human rights are mentioned, the article does not deeply examine:

  1. Potential misuse of preventive detention laws
  2. Surveillance overreach
  3. Data privacy concerns

3. Political Context

The timing and political signalling of the policy are not critically analysed. Counter-terror strategies often intersect with electoral narratives and security optics.

V. Pros and Cons of the Policy

Pros

• Holistic multi-pillar structure
• Emphasis on intelligence integration
• Focus on counter-radicalisation
• International cooperation embedded
• Recognition of human rights principles

Cons

• Risk of surveillance overreach
• Federal friction between Centre and States
• Capacity and training gaps
• Potential civil liberties concerns

VI. Policy Implications

1. Institutional Strengthening

Requires:

  1. Modernised intelligence infrastructure
  2. Real-time data fusion centres
  3. Interoperable communication systems

2. Legal Safeguards

Clear guidelines must ensure:

  1. Judicial oversight
  2. Transparency in surveillance
  3. Periodic review of anti-terror laws

3. Capacity Building

States and local police forces need:

  1. Training in cyber-terror detection
  2. Community engagement skills
  3. Forensic and analytical capability

4. Counter-Radicalisation Framework

Long-term success depends on:

  1. Education reforms
  2. Digital literacy
  3. Socio-economic inclusion

Security cannot rely solely on coercive power.

VII. Real-World Impact

Short-term:

  1. Institutional restructuring
  2. Increased inter-agency coordination

Medium-term:

  1. Improved response time
  2. Better intelligence fusion

Long-term:

  1. Enhanced preventive capacity
  2. Possible debates over civil liberties

VIII. UPSC Relevance

GS Paper II

• Internal security architecture
• Centre–State relations
• International cooperation against terrorism

GS Paper III

• Role of technology in internal security
• Cyber security and data analytics
• Terror financing

GS Paper IV

• Ethical dilemmas in national security
• Balancing liberty and security

Essay Themes

• Security vs freedom
• Technology in governance
• Preventive state and constitutional morality

IX. Balanced Conclusion and Future Perspective

The Prahaar counter-terror policy reflects a strategic evolution from reactive to intelligence-led prevention. Its structured seven-pillar design suggests institutional maturity in addressing complex security threats.

However, counter-terror effectiveness is determined not by policy articulation but by:

  1. Coordination efficiency
  2. Legal accountability
  3. Community trust
  4. Technological competence

A robust security framework must protect citizens without eroding constitutional freedoms. The durability of Prahaar will depend on maintaining this delicate balance between decisive action and democratic restraint.