Role of NIA in Combating Terrorism

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Author Gauri Sharma from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi

INTRODUCTION

Laquer (1987) defines terrorism as “the illegitimate or extranormal use of violence against non- combatants to achieve political ends”. Terrorism being a vast and influential term can be understood as an act against the peace of the society. Unlike conventional warfare, the main targets of terrorism are civilians and individuals who are not involved in unfair practices to disrupt peace and security of the society. Terrorism has existed in various forms throughout the history which includes the incidences of assassinations, different terror groups having various specific agendas, in modern days one of the forms of terrorism that is growing is cyber-terrorism. There are different classes of terrorism such as state terrorism, religious terrorism, ideological terrorism, dissident terrorism, criminal dissident terrorism, gender selective terrorism. India has faced some significant terrorist attacks, resulting in loss of lives.

To combat these difficult scenarios, the government of India established, National Investigation agency (NIA) in 2008. It was established after the gruesome attacks of 26/11. “The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks became notorious as the 26/11 attacks, occurring on November 26, 2008, and continuing for three days. These attacks comprised an operation by the Pakistani terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba. Ten gunmen infiltrated the city by sea and launched attacks against several places like luxury hotels, a railway station, and a Jewish cultural centre.”

It is a central agency to investigate and prosecute offences, it also implements international treaties, agreements, conventions and resolutions of the UN, its agencies and other international agencies. The main goals of NIA are to investigate schedule offences using the latest scientific methods of investigation, to uphold the constitution of India, to protect the human rights and dignity of individuals, ensuring effective and speedy trial, developing professional workforce.

Further through this article we will be understanding the role of National Investigation Agency (NIA) in combatting terrorism.

PROCEDURE APPLIED BY THE NIA IN COMBATING TERRORISM

The NIA’s intelligence department has been collecting information 24/7, sometimes with help from brave individuals who put their lives at risk to give information.

Examination: The NIA investigation team springs into action following the collection of intelligence. Evidence is closely analysed, witnesses are questioned, and plots of terrorism are assembled. This stage requires infinite patience, focus on tiny details, and thorough comprehension of the intricacies of terrorism. Additionally, the NIA’s investigating officers collaborate with various agencies, both national and international.
Legal proceedings: The NIA prosecution team assumes control once they have collected all evidence to hold terrorists accountable. This stage plays a crucial role in holding perpetrators of serious crimes accountable under the legal system. The NIA prosecutors collaborate closely with the judiciary to build strong cases based on thorough evidence and careful investigation.
Rehabilitation and avoiding future occurrences: The NIA also places emphasis on rehabilitation and prevention, recognizing that the majority of terrorism stems from underlying societal problems. They collaborate with leaders in the community, as well as social workers and counsellors, to pinpoint individuals at risk of such ideologies and provide them with assistance. The NIA aims to stop future generations from turning to violence by dealing with the fundamental reasons behind terrorism.
Adding a human touch to the battle: The NIA’s work isn’t just focused on fighting terrorism; it’s actually aimed at safeguarding human lives and dignity. They strive to bring families back together after being separated by terrorism, assist victims, and restore communities affected by violence. NIA personnel are more than just agents; they are protectors of peace, dedicated to creating a safer future through their selfless work.

TERROR FINANCING AND CYBER TERRORISM A NEW CHALLENGE
In essence, the financing of terrorism involves the act of obtaining funds through asking for, gathering, or giving money, with the aim of using it to back terrorist activities, individuals, or groups. Terrorists, whether they belong to major terrorist groups with territorial control or are part of minor terrorist cells, require financial resources. Their funds may come from lawful origins, or from illicit actions such as stealing, coercing, plundering of financial assets and natural resources, taking advantage of charities, abduction for payment, and smuggling cash. Terrorists require funding to purchase weapons, travel and lodging, as well as to plan, prepare for, and carry out terrorist assaults. Without access to money, their ability to plan and carry out attacks is reduced, as is their ability to expand as a group. One of the most successful tactics in combatting terrorism is by disrupting and preventing financial transactions associated with terrorists.

Cyber terrorism refers to disruptive attacks by established terrorist groups on computer systems, aiming to cause alarm, panic, or actual physical damage to the information system.
Although we are familiar with cyberattacks, cyber terrorism brings a unique concern. Computer hackers have been attempting to access confidential data for profit for a while, so terrorists could potentially follow suit. Terrorists can utilize the internet for financing, training, or planning terror attacks. The more common concept of cyber terrorism involves hacking government or private servers to obtain confidential data or steal funds for use in acts of terror. Currently, there is no universally accepted definition of cyber terrorism.

The National Investigation Agency views terror financing and cyber terrorism as two equally challenging responsibilities that require advanced tactics and significant resources.
Funding terrorism involves complex financial methods that utilize hidden financial channels to support terrorist operations. Some of the actions include utilizing cryptocurrency methods, taking advantage of charitable organizations, and receiving funding from governments. This requires advanced financial knowledge, global collaboration, and strong monitoring systems to track and stop these financial transactions. Challenges in cyber terrorism are varied. The NIA must be ready to defend against and respond to complex cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure and sensitive data. Another threat is posed by cyber terrorists utilizing tools like ransomware, phishing, and denial-of-service attacks. It is essential to emphasize that ongoing importance depends on a robust cybersecurity framework, trained staff, and partnerships between technology companies and global cyber defense agencies.
The NIA needs to quickly adapt to introduce new technology and expertise, and work together with global partners to meet these challenges. Not only reactive responses, but also proactive measures are being implemented by addressing threats before they escalate into dangers. Effectively addressing these challenges is essential for the security of a nation and for preventing acts of terrorism from taking place.

COUNTERRORISM BY NATIONAL INVESTIGATION AGENCY (NIA)

Various strategies for counterterrorism are implemented by the National Investigation Agency.

Examinations: The NIA has managed high-profile and intricate terrorism cases, handling comprehensive investigations involving gathering crucial evidence necessary for building strong cases for prosecution Advanced forensic methods, intelligence gathering, and interrogation techniques are utilized for the gathering and analysis of evidence during interrogations.
Activities related to intelligence: Operations focused on identifying and stopping terrorism, involving monitoring, intercepting communication, and assessing risks.
Collaboration: Working with both national and international intelligence agencies to exchange information and intelligence about terrorists’ networks and activities.
Educational initiatives: Campaigns to identify and counter extremist ideology for de-radicalization. Engage the community in order to prevent radicalization.
Raising public awareness: organizing campaigns to educate the public about terrorism risks and encouraging them to be vigilant and report any suspicious behavior.
Interference with the Funding of Terrorism: Transaction Tracking involves overseeing financial transactions and analyzing them smartly to detect and uncover potential sources of funding for terrorist groups.
Collaboration with Banks and Financial Institutions: Work together with banks and other financial institutions to monitor any questionable financial activity supporting terrorists.
Legal Structure: Utilizing dedicated anti-terrorism legislation and provisions to effectively handle and bring perpetrators of terrorism crimes to justice.
Collaboration between Agencies: Working together with other law enforcement agencies in India and internationally to improve the unified and efficient handling of terrorism.The company plans to implement a new employee training program in order to improve performance and skill development. Management and reaction to emergencies and disasters Creating and maintaining rapid deployment teams with appropriate training to respond to terrorist incidents are crucial for Emergency Response
Crisis Management: Implementing strategies for handling terrorist attacks to protect the safety of people and belongings.
Education and Developing Skills: Specific training provided to NIA staff and other investigators to enhance abilities in counterterrorism, intelligence, and investigation. Invest in technology and resources to improve efficiency in counter-terrorism efforts.
The NIA strives to prevent terrorist acts, dismantle terrorist networks, and guarantee the safety and security of the nation.

NIA’S COOPERATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES

The National Investigation Agency collaborates with different national and international agencies to enhance its effectiveness in combating terrorism. It is vital to take a comprehensive approach together with a unified voice against the threat of terrorism.

Here is how the NIA works together with other agencies

The NIA collaborates with State Police Forces for local intelligence gathering, joint operations, and supporting terrorism-related investigations. Central agencies such as IB, RAW, and CBI collaborate with the NIA to share intelligence and resources for coordinated activities
Joint Task Forces: These were partnerships among different law enforcement agencies to conduct synchronized operations and investigations focused on terrorist activities.
Sharing information: Establishing a platform for sharing information and intelligence among various agencies, ensuring that all data is accessible to support counterterrorism efforts.
Cooperating with international law enforcement groups like INTERPOL, foreign police services, and intelligence agencies to track down and apprehend international terrorists, as well as disrupt global terrorist networks.
Global Intelligence Sharing involves exchanging information with international intelligence organizations in order to understand patterns and dangers related to global terrorism.
Cooperation in legal and judicial matters: Cooperation with legal and judicial bodies for extraditing terrorist suspects and requesting foreign legal aid in investigations and legal proceedings.
Cooperation with international governments and agencies in cross-border operations for collecting evidence in different jurisdictions.
Workshops and training sessions on combating terrorism. Collaborative Training Programs: Participation and implementation of joint training initiatives with other organizations focused on improving counter-terrorism operations and investigation capabilities.
Coordination of Crisis Response Crisis Management Teams work together with other organizations during crises like terrorist attacks to coordinate responses and lessen their effects.
Emergency Protocols: Collaborative creation and execution of strategies and steps to address terrorist events.

These integrated efforts would involve various agencies working together to enhance the NIA’s counterterrorism capabilities and address multifaceted terrorism more efficiently by utilizing their potential and resources.

CASE STUDIES UNDER NIA

Violent murder of tailor in Udaipur (2022).

In Udaipur, two armed assailants brutally murdered a tailor using sharp weapons. Afterward, the attackers shared the video of the event on social media in order to cause fear and panic among the population of the country. The National Investigation Agency took on the case based on the Central Government’s instructions, deeming it a Scheduled Offense under the NIA Act, considering its impact on national security. The NIA is investigating the involvement of ‘local self-radicalised groups’ to uncover additional connections involving the two main suspects in the incident.

Assault on CRPF troops convoy in Lethpora, Jammu and Kashmir (2019)

On February 14, 2019, a CRPF convoy was targeted by a suicide bomber driving an explosive-packed vehicle on the National Highway in Lethpora, Pulwama District of Jammu and Kashmir.The Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists took credit for this event.

Uri Assault (2016)

Forty CRPF personnel were martyred and some were severely wounded in the incident. The incident has been reported under Section 3 of the Explosive Substance Act and sections 16, 18, and 20 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967.
Early on 18 September 2016, a band of terrorists launched an attack on the Infantry Brigade Headquarters in Uri, J&K, leading to the deaths of 17 army members and injuries to 19 more. Every terrorist who participated in the six-hour-long battle was eliminated. The case was filed under sections 15, 16, and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967.
CONCLUSION
Essential in combating terrorism, the NIA carries out thorough investigations, advanced intelligence gathering, and closely coordinated partnerships with various national and international agencies. Different functionalities are developed in connection with funding terrorism, disrupters of terrorist activities, and improving public knowledge and measures to counter radicalization. With the NIA’s expertise, resources, and partnerships, they can combat new terrorist threats. These combined initiatives help the NIA prevent and address terrorist activities, which are crucial for India’s counter-terrorism framework and its national security and public safety.

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