Government strengthening IT cells to counter terrorist propaganda on social media: Union Home Secretary
The government is strengthening Information Technology (IT) cells and cybersurveillance to counter terrorist propaganda being spread on social media, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan said on Wednesday. He said terrorists were using social media and advanced drone technology 'not just for surveillance and espionage, but also to carry out pinpointed and focused attacks.'
He said, 'Some countries and some communities associate actions in the name of terrorism with either identity or with faith,' and in doing so, they tarnish the very idea of humanity and the 'problem needs to be eradicated from its roots.'
The official said the government had finalised a 25-point integrated plan to curb the financial sources of terrorism, which included 'jihadi terrorism, insurgency in the northeast, fake currency and narcotics' and police and other investigating agencies were encouraged to 'not hesitate to use strict provisions under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA)' in all cases where it was necessary.
He said 40 groups had been proscribed as terror organisations by India.
While delivering the valedictory address at the 23rd National Security Guard's (NSG) Counter-Terror International Seminar, which was attended by 50 foreign delegates, Mr. Mohan said 'spontaneous war on the cyber front' is an important part of the government's strategy to counter terrorism where social media is used 'to radicalise youth whose minds are still shaping' and to spread disinformation and misinformation.
Also Read | Operation Sindoor: Pakistan has unleashed a disinformation offensive, says govt
'Terrorist groups are leveraging social media and online propaganda, not only to mobilise their sympathisers, but also to mislead and influence youth who are radicalised or who do not have the full perspective of this entire game that is being played on them. Increasingly, encrypted devices are being used, different kinds of Apps are being used to conceal their identities. Even in the radar of our security agencies, this makes it much harder for us to track their conversations or intercept their plans, and it also makes the task of pre-empting their actions significantly challenging.'
He called for global cooperation, sharing technological solutions and public awareness to end the menace of terrorism.
He said Naxalism was now confined to 20 districts against 200 districts few years ago.
'We have to go beyond conventional methods and prepare comprehensive and forward-looking strategies as the only objective of terrorism is to spread violence and fear,' the Home Secretary said.
He added that Pahalgam terrorist attack was one of the most horrific incidents that India had faced and any assault on its peace or sovereignty would not be tolerated.
'Whoever attempts such an act has to pay the price. And this is precisely what Operation Sindoor was ....precise military strikes on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. We successfully destroyed the main operational bases of terrorist organisations. This stands as a testament to our military skill, to our professional strength, not only of armed forces, but also of our border guarding forces,' Mr. Mohan said.
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