Notes

COUNTER-TERRORISM GAMEPLAN FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

A five-point gameplan for the Government of India to pursue, in the wake of the Global Terrorism Report’s release:

- IMMEDIATE RESPONSES TO TERROR ATTACKS
Aside from tremendous diplomatic pressure on countries from where attacks are launched against India, the country’s leaders must consider air raids on terrorist training camps, beefing up military presence at sensitive border areas and targeted drone strikes as an instant retaliatory move against terror hideouts, depending on the scale of the attack on India.

- COVERT OPERATIONS AND TARGETING TERRORIST HANDLERS
Long-term Indian strategy against terrorism must target terrorist leaders, financiers and mafia dons who back terror attacks in India. These enemies of India have to be hunted down not just in Islamabad or Karachi but even in Riyadh and Dubai. They have to be captured and brought back to India to be tried in a court of Law. If this is difficult for India to pull off, then they will have to be covertly eliminated using spy networks and hit squads.

- STRENGTHENING INTERNAL SECURITY
Police patrols, CCTV cameras, metal detector checks in popular and sensitive spots in cities like Mumbai and New Delhi, raids on suspected terrorist hideouts and sleeper cells are steps India can take towards strengthening internal security. Ensuring that terrorists in Indian captivity are tried via fast-track courts is also a positive step.

- SENDING INDIAN TROOPS TO AFGHANISTAN
As the United States and NATO withdraw from Afghanistan next month, it is vital for India to step up its game in Afghanistan. Sending our troops to protect Indian embassies and civilian projects is a great step to take. Identifying our well-wishers in Afghanistan and strengthening relations with them is essential. It is also important for us honour our obligation towards the Afghan people.

- SEND A STERN MESSAGE TO GOVERNMENTS THAT BACK TERRORISM IN INDIA
Governments that back terrorism, like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, need to be warned that the world is fast moving away from the era of American dominance and the winds of change are flowing towards the Indian subcontinent. If the Middle East wants to play a constructive role in what is likely to be the ‘Indian century’, then it would do well to not upset India.