The Challenge of Cross-border Terrorism in India- Explained Pointwise

The recent Reasi terrorist attack on the day the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, took his oath of office for a third term points to the serious challenge of cross border terrorism in India. The attack in Reasi was similar to the attack on the Consulate General of India (CGI), Herat, Afghanistan on May 23, 2014, three days prior to first swearing-in of the Prime Minister. All these cross-border terrorist attacks on such important days has been to embarrass and enrage India on days of great political significance.

What is cross-border Terrorism? What are the sources of cross-border terrorism in India?

Cross Border Terrorism- Cross-Border Terrorism is a form of terrorism in which soil of one country is used to create terror in bordering countries. It is a form of grey zone conflict and is an undeclared war. It is considered to be highest form of strategy to bleed a nation for prolonged period by small efforts.

During the last several years thousands of civilians have lost their lives in acts of cross border terrorism. Apart from thousands of defence, paramilitary and police personnel who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

Sources of Cross Border Terrorism

What are the reasons behind cross-border terrorism in India?

1. Pakistan sponsored terrorist groups- Cross-border terrorism from Pakistan has been exacerbated by Pakistani terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. These terrorist organisations view the border as illegitimate and continue to infiltrate into India to carry out attacks.

2. Lack of adequate cooperation from Pakistan- Pakistan has provided material support to secessionist militants in India’s border states like Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast. There has been inadequate cooperation from Pakistan in stopping cross-Border terrorism. For ex– Failure of India-Pakistan’s joint anti-terrorism mechanism and dialogue.

3. Porous and difficult-to-secure borders- India’s borders with most of its neighbors like Bangladesh, Nepal are porous and difficult to fully secure due to complex geographical features like mountains, deserts, and riverine areas. This makes it easier for terrorists to infiltrate into India.

4. Over Ground Workers- The local population is recruited as over-ground workers by the terrorist outfits in border areas. These over-ground workers support and facilitate the cross-border movement of terrorists by providing them transportation, shelter, and other assistance.

5. Corruption among officials- Corrupt officials allow illegal cross-border movement in exchange for bribes. This provides avenues for criminal elements and terrorists to enter India.

What are the effects of cross-border terrorism in India?

Cross-border terrorism has had severe consequences for India. These are mentioned below-

1. Loss of civilian and defence personnel lives- There has been loss of lives of thousands of civilians in acts of cross-border terrorism over the years. Thousands of defense, paramilitary and police personnel have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty fighting cross-border terrorism.

2. Disruption of peace and security- Cross-border terrorism has disrupted peace and security along India’s borders, particularly with Pakistan. It has led to a deterioration of bilateral relations between India and Pakistan.

3. Illegal infiltration and smuggling- Cross-border terrorism has facilitated illegal infiltration and smuggling of narcotics, arms and weapons across India’s borders, especially with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

4. Economic costs- The resources and efforts diverted to counter cross-border terrorism have come at an economic cost to India in terms of defense expenditure and lost economic opportunities.

5. Psychological impact- The constant threat of cross-border terrorism has created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the civilian population living along the borders.

What are the steps taken by India to Counter Cross Border terrorism in India?

What should be the way Forward?

1. Reassessment and speeding up of border management policies- There is a need to reassess policies related to management of India’s international borders such as intelligence apparatus, internal security and border management. The smart fencing of all Indian Borders must be expedited.

2. Kinetic Strikes- The surgical strikes like the Uri Surgical Strike and the airstrike like the Balakot airstrikes must be carried out to deter the terrorists. The military should also look at alternative means to strike at the terror camps across the LoC (Line of Control) and LAC (Line of Actual Control) through mechanisms like Precision Engagement Capability.

3. Specialised force and training- India should move in the direction of specialisation of military to fight cross-border terrorism. A judicious mix of properly trained manpower and affordable and tested technology is likely to yield better results.

4. Beefing up Cyber defence Mechanism- A holistic cyber defense mechanism must be developed to effectively counter cyber-linked terrorism, including conducting cyber operations and implementing strong countermeasures against cyber attacks from foreign soil.

5. Speeding up judicial process- India’s national criminal justice system must be enhanced and legal protocols must be streamlined to enable speedy trials of cross border terrorism cases.

6. Counter-radicalization programmes- The counter-radicalization programs focussing on promoting non-violence and tolerance must be implemented, especially in educational institutions. This will reduce youth’s exposure to cross border terrorism and radical ideology.  This will reduce the number of over-ground workers in India.