National Counter Terrorism Policy

During the recently held Anti-Terror Conference 2024 (ATC), the Union Home Minister announced that the Ministry of Home Affairs is drafting a comprehensive national counter-terrorism policy and strategy.

About National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy

The policy includes a model anti-terrorism squad (ATS) and special task force (STF) framework for all States/UTs to ensure a unified and effective structure against terrorism.
It aims to streamline communication, hierarchy and operational effectiveness within anti-terror units.
Uniform Anti-Terror Units: States and Union Territories (UTs) will establish specialised anti-terror units with the following components:
- Prison monitoring, language expertise, deradicalisation, financial intelligence.
- Access to upgraded weapons recommended by the National Security Guard (NSG).
- Standardised training modules designed by the NSG.
Proposed Model Anti-Terror Structure:
- Each unit will be led by an Inspector General (IG) or senior officer.
- Supported by two Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) and at least four Superintendents of Police (SPs).
Enhancing Coordination and SOPs: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for intelligence processing and inter-agency coordination between Central and State agencies will also be formulated.

Current Gaps and Status

Only 18 States/UTs have dedicated ATS/STF or counter-terrorism units.
In 13 States/UTs, these units are also designated as police stations.
Only six States/UTs have:
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for counter-terror operations.
- Dedicated courts for terrorism-related cases.