Mains Marathon

Start by defining organized crime and its connection with terrorism. Discuss the impact of terrorism and organized crime on India's internal security. Discuss strategies to disrupt the terrorism-organized crime nexus. Conclude accordingly.

Answer:

Organized crime involves systematic and planned criminal activities executed by groups or networks operating across borders, aiming for financial gain through illegal means and exploiting societal vulnerabilities. For instance, activities like arms trafficking, drug trafficking, and human trafficking fall under this category.

• The convergence of terrorism and organized crime, especially through arms and drug trafficking, has significantly affected India's internal security. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) recorded 5,125 terrorism-related incidents in India during 2020, emphasizing the severity of the issue.

The intertwining of terrorism and organized crime on India's internal security:

• Heightened Security Threat: The intertwining of terrorism and organized crime has amplified the overall security threat in India.
  • Example: The 2008 Mumbai attacks, orchestrated by the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), involved the use of smuggled weapons and explosives, showcasing the link between terrorism and arms trafficking.
• Funding Terror Activities: Organized crime networks often provide financial support to terrorist organizations through illegal activities such as drug trade and extortion.
  • Example: In 2019, the Indian government banned the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir (JeIJK) for its involvement in terror financing and promoting terrorism in the region.
• Cross-Border Infiltration: Terrorist groups frequently exploit organized crime routes for cross-border infiltration, exacerbating security challenges along India's borders.
  • Example: Official data shared in Parliament reveals that the prevalence of drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir has surged significantly over the years, affecting nearly 10 lakh individuals in the region.
• Parallel Economies: Organized crime networks often operate in parallel economies, generating illicit revenue that undermines formal institutions and contributes to instability.
  • Example: Naxalite groups in India fund their insurgency through extortion and illegal activities, posing a serious security threat.
• Drugs and Terrorism Nexus: The illicit drug trade is a significant source of funding for terror organizations, with India serving as a transit and destination point for drug trafficking.
  • Example: The Golden Crescent region (Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran) is a major source of narcotics, and drugs from this region often find their way into India, funding terror groups.
• Instability in Border Regions: The convergence of terrorism and organized crime in border areas has led to instability, posing challenges to governance and development.
  • Example: The northeastern states of India have witnessed such convergence, with insurgent groups engaging in drug trafficking and arms smuggling.
• Challenges for Law Enforcement: Combating the terrorism-crime nexus requires law enforcement agencies to address both security and criminal aspects, demanding coordinated efforts.
  • Example: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and state police forces often collaborate to dismantle criminal networks with terror links.

Strategies to disrupt the terrorism-organized crime nexus:

• Enhanced Border Surveillance: Strengthen border security to curb cross-border arms and drug trafficking.
  • Example: Operation "All Out" in Jammu and Kashmir led to increased border surveillance, reducing infiltration attempts by terrorist groups.
• Intelligence Sharing and Coordination: Collaborate with national and international agencies to share intelligence on both terrorism and organized crime.
  • Example: India shares intelligence with neighboring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh to curb cross-border terrorism and organized crime activities.
• Cyber Intelligence and Monitoring: Monitor online activities to detect digital communication and financial transactions supporting the nexus.
  • Example: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) tracked communication channels to uncover links between terrorist groups and financial transactions.
• Joint Operations: Coordinate efforts among various law enforcement agencies for targeted operations against nexus elements.
  • Example: Joint operations between the Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and local police have led to the neutralization of terrorists and criminals.
• International Cooperation: Collaborate with neighboring countries and international organizations to disrupt the transnational flow of arms, drugs, and funds.
  • Example: India's cooperation with INTERPOL and regional mechanisms has facilitated joint actions against transnational criminals.
• Financial Tracking and Freezing: India has strengthened its anti-money laundering laws and enforcement mechanisms to target the flow of illicit funds supporting terrorism and criminal activities.
  • Example: Indian authorities have frozen assets and bank accounts associated with individuals and entities involved in terror financing and organized crime.
• Legislative Reforms:
  • Example: The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act has been amended to include provisions related to individuals or groups involved in both terrorism and organized crime.
• Community Engagement and De-radicalization: Engage communities to prevent radicalization and curb local support for terrorist and criminal activities.
  • Example: The "Operation Aman" initiative in Jammu and Kashmir focuses on community outreach to counter radicalization.

National Security Advisor (NSA) of India underscores the rising vulnerabilities due to transnational terrorism and globalized crime, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security approaches. India's multifaceted strategies, guided by experts like NSA Doval, are pivotal in dismantling the nexus between terrorism and organized crime, ensuring internal security, and fostering a secure future.