Anti-terror Institutional Framework in India

In India, a number of intelligence, military and police organisations fight against the terrorism activities. For intelligence, we have

• Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) that acts as the external intelligence agency
• Intelligence Bureau (IB), a division of the Home Affairs Ministry, collects intelligence within India.

After the 26/11 attack, government has formed various other agencies like NIA, NATGRID, MAC (revamping) and NCTC for fighting against terrorism. Here is a brief backgrounder on various bodies in India formed to fight terrorism.

National Security Guard (NSG)

Following the Operation Blue Star in 1984, the National Security Guard (NSG) was created as a special commando force for combating against terrorist activities. NSG personnel are also referred as Black Cat commandos. The NSG’s are trained to counter hijacking operations and terrorist operations. After 26/11 attack, four NSG regional hubs are created at Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai and Mumbai.

National Investigation Agency (NIA)

It is a federal agency set up by India to combat terror. It was created in December 2008 after Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008 with concurrent jurisdiction power. It is empowered to investigate and prosecute offences under the Acts specified in the Schedule of the NIA Act. Any state government can request union government to handover the investigation of case to NIA, if the case is registered as per the offenses mentioned in schedule of NIA act. Union government can also handover any scheduled offense anywhere in the India. The central government is empowered to decide the jurisdiction of these courts. These are presided over by a judge appointed by the Central Government on the recommendation of the Chief Justice of the High Court with jurisdiction in that region.  The main offences dealt by NIA are bomb blasts, human trafficking, hijacking of ships and aircrafts, counterfeit currency narcotics etc.

National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)

NATGRID is a robust intelligence gathering mechanism to track any suspected terror attack. All the databases of government departments are linked in a grid to collect comprehensive patterns of intelligence that can be readily accessed by intelligence agencies like RAW, IB, ED, CBEC etc. The information collected includes tax and bank account details, credit card transactions, visa and immigration records, and rail and air travel details etc. It is not yet fully operationalised.

Revamping of Multi Agency Centre (MAC)

MAC, which functions under the Intelligence Bureau, is the nodal agency for sharing intelligence inputs. Although it was in place since 2002, it was revamped after 26/11 attacks. Every agency, and Central Police Organisation, has an officer to coordinate with MAC and share intelligence on a daily basis. At the state level also there is an SMAC functioning in a similar manner.

Coastal Security Scheme Revamped

After 26/11 attacks, the coastal security imperatives have become multi-dimensional and prompt. To strengthen the coastal security, the government has taken several measures. The Coast Guard was entrusted with the task of guarding the Indian coastline right from the shoreline. The Indian Navy is still responsible for overall maritime security. Coastal States and Union Territories have been directed to implement the approved Coastal Security Scheme. The coastal States and UTs have been asked to start coastal patrolling by locally hired fishing boats/trawlers. A uniform system for registration of all boats has been put in place.  Action is also being taken for issuance of ID cards to all fishermen.

National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO)

It is a technical intelligence agency set up in 2004 under the National Security Adviser in the Prime Minister’s Office, India. It provides technical intelligence to all other Indian agencies, however, there are certain issues with NTRO, discussed in this document later.