Acme Ai
A
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150 Words10 Marks

Q.Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages, and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to eradicate the menace of terrorism.

UPSC Mains 2021Internal Security

Introduction

Terrorism is the systematic use of violence or intimidation to coerce governments or societies to achieve political, religious, or ideological goals. Its growing complexity and intensity present a severe challenge to global peace and India's sovereign integrity.


Body Analysis

Causes, Linkages, and the Obnoxious Nexus of Terrorism

1. Key Causes of Terrorism

  • Extreme Ideologies: Deep-seated ideological hatred and religious fundamentalism drive individuals toward radicalization (e.g., ISIS, Al-Qaeda).
  • Perceived Socio-Economic Inequality: Marginalization, lack of development, and economic deprivation create fertile ground for recruitment into terror and insurgent groups.
  • Political Disenfranchisement: A lack of political integration, democratic representation, or governance deficits can fuel violent separatist movements.
  • Regional Spillover: Unstable neighborhoods and state-sponsored terror networks (such as those in Pakistan) actively export militancy into India.

2. The Obnoxious Nexus

  • State Sponsorship: Hostile foreign states provide financial backing, advanced weaponry, and diplomatic cover to proxy terror groups.
  • Organized Crime & Money Laundering: Terror networks thrive by collaborating with transnational crime syndicates, utilizing hawala channels and shell companies to launder funds.
  • Drug Trafficking (Narco-Terrorism): Terrorist organizations partner with drug cartels (especially along the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle) to secure steady funding in exchange for protection.

Measures Required to Eradicate Terrorism

  • International Conventions: Actively support global frameworks like the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) and strictly enforce FATF guidelines to choke terror financing.
  • Stringent Legislative Actions: Effectively implement domestic laws such as the UAPA (1967) and PMLA (2002) to prosecute terrorists and freeze their financial assets.
  • Smart Border Management: Deploy advanced technological solutions (CIBMS, thermal imaging, smart fencing) to prevent cross-border infiltration.
  • Institutional Coordination: Foster seamless intelligence sharing and operational synergy among the NIA, IB, RAW, and state police forces.
  • Comprehensive Legislative Reforms: Periodically update national security laws to address emerging threats like cyber-terrorism and drone-based smuggling.

Conclusion

Eradicating terrorism requires a multi-pronged strategy that combines hard security measures with soft-power interventions, such as de-radicalization programs, socio-economic development in marginalized areas, and robust international diplomatic cooperation.