Latest news with #Counter-TerrorInternationalSeminar
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
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.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
National Security Guard defused two drones laden with explosives at Jammu airport after Operation Sindoor: NSG Director General
The National Security Guard (NSG) played a key role in defusing eight kilogrammes of explosives dropped by two drones at Jammu civilian airport in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, NSG Director General Brighu Srinivasan said on Tuesday (June 10, 2025). The NSG has been deployed for anti-Maoist operations in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra along with the State police, Mr. Srinivasan said. This is the first time that the NSG has been deployed in a Left Wing Extremism-affected area amid the Union government's aim to end Maoism by March 2026. The NSG is an elite counter-terror and counter-hijack force deployed during terrorist attacks in civilian areas, and also provides security cover to VVIPs. The force draws 100% of its strength from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and Army personnel on fixed deputation. In the recent past, 17 religious sites, 21 nuclear installations, and 14 sensitive locations had been surveyed by the NSG, and their 3D maps prepared, Mr. Srinivasan said. The NSG conducts counter-hijack and counter-terrorism exercises round the year in coordination with the State police, and 180 anti-air hijack exercises were held in 2024, he said. 'Last month, counter-terrorist exercises were conducted along with J&K Police and Indian Railways, and in future, train intervention exercises will be intensified,' Mr. Srinivisan said. He was speaking at the inauguration of the 23rd edition of the NSG's Counter-Terror International Seminar under the theme 'Forging Collaboration and Innovation to Counter Terror Threats and Address the Complexities of Modern Terrorism'. 'In January this year, on the instructions of the Ministry of Home Affairs, a security audit of Inland Waterways Cruise Liners was done, and anti-hijack exercises were conducted on cruise liners on the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers,' the Director General said. A specialised operations training centre is under construction at Manesar in Haryana at a cost of ₹140 crore. Delegations from more than 17 foreign countries, including the U.S., Russia, Japan, Israel, Germany, and Indonesia are participating, along with senior officials from the State police, CAPF, the Indian Army, intelligence agencies, and leading think tanks. Discussions led by experts from the U.S. and Israel focused on global counter-terrorism frameworks, counter-radicalisation strategies, and operational challenges in urban combat, helping Indian stakeholders benchmark best practices from friendly foreign countries, the NSG said in a statement. The NSG signed a Memorandum of Understanding with various State police forces, laying the foundation for a first-of-its-kind unified counter-terrorism coordination framework, institutionalised joint training, and first responder interoperability. 'The MoU embodies India's resolve to evolve from fragmented action to a synchronised national response, integrating both kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities through a calibrated, interoperable structure,' the NSG said.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
India's policy of zero tolerance against terror is unshakable: Minister Rai
India has shown the world through Operation Sindoor that anyone who dares raise their eyes towards it will not be capable of seeing again, Minister of State (Home) Nityanand Rai said Tuesday. He was speaking at the 23rd edition of NSG's Counter-Terror International Seminar at Manekshaw Centre. 'The entire country has realised that in the fight against terrorism the Modi government has not shown any lack of political will or resources. This is new India and our policy of zero tolerance against terrorism is unshakable. There will be challenges, but the nation's security and dignity will remain top priority. We have shown and taught the world that anyone who dares raise their eyes towards India, will not be capable of seeing again,' Rai said. He said cowardly acts such as the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack do not weaken India, rather only strengthen its resolve. 'Through Operation Sindoor India has made it clear that it will answer any terror attack on its soil with courage and determination and will also achieve success. The international community has now seen India's determination. We have always been votaries of peace and dialogue. But if anyone provokes us and threatens our sovereignty we will not only defend ourselves but also defeat the ill intentions of the enemy,' he said. The NSG's two-day flagship event, under the theme 'Forging Collaboration and Innovation to Counter Terror Threats and Address the Complexities of Modern Terrorism', aims to foster inter-agency coordination, operational synergy, and strategic integration in Counter-Terrorism (CT) and Counter-IED operations. Initiating the seminar, NSG DG Brighu Srinivasan detailed NSG's continuing role in counter-terror efforts and the role its personnel played in defending the Jammu airport during Operation Sindoor. 'During Operation Sindoor, our personnel played a special role in neutralising a drone with explosive payload near Jammu airport. Last month, along with state police and the RPF, counter-terror exercise was organised in the railways in Jammu. In future, train intervention exercises will be increased,' he said. According to the NSG chief, a security audit of inland water tourist liners in India was conducted by the force recently and anti-hijack exercises were carried out on cruise liners running on the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers. Delegations from over 17 foreign countries including the US, Russia, Japan, Israel, Germany, and Indonesia are participating, along with senior officers from state police forces, CAPFs, the Army and intelligence agencies.
NDTV
2 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Key NSG Counter-Terror Event Begins, Focus On Unified Response
New Delhi: In the wake of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and India's response in the form of Operation Sindoor, the 23rd edition of the National Security Guard's (NSG) Counter-Terror International Seminar commenced in New Delhi on Tuesday. The seminar will see key steps being taken towards framing a unified Standard Operating Procedure for counterterrorism coordination. The two-day event, inaugurated by Junior Home Minister Nityanand Rai, is themed "Forging Collaboration and Innovation to Counter Terror Threats and Address the Complexities of Modern Terrorism". As India navigates the evolving landscape of hybrid and transnational terror threats, the seminar aims to significantly bolster inter-agency coordination, operational synergy, and strategic integration in counter-terrorism (CT) and Counter-IED operations, officials said. The NSG emphasised its role as a "strategic fulcrum in India's layered security grid", leading the charge in converting "knowledge into kinetic capabilities." A major highlight of the seminar is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NSG and police forces of states and Union Territories. This landmark agreement is set to lay the groundwork for a unified CT coordination standard operating procedure (SOP), institutionalised joint training, and enhanced First Responder interoperability across the nation, moving towards a "synchronised national response." Delegations from over 17 countries, including the USA, Russia, Japan, Israel, Germany, and Indonesia, are participating, alongside senior officials from State Police Forces, CAPFs, the Indian Army, and intelligence agencies. This diverse representation, officials said, is expected to foster a crucial exchange of global best practices, aligning with the spirit of "One Nation, One Response." Discussions are structured around five high-impact thematic panels, covering a wide array of topics from international CT case studies and national threat responses to NSG-State synergy, leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) and drones for CT operations, and advanced C-IED strategies. The seminar also saw the launch of the 35th edition of 'The Bombshell', NSG's flagship Counter-IED journal. In a boost to indigenous innovation, the C-IED Innovator Awards will be presented on June 11 by Home Secretary Shri Govind Mohan, recognising cost-effective solutions from various sectors. An investiture ceremony was also held to felicitate recipients of the President's Police Medal, honouring the bravery and dedication of personnel in counter-terror operations. The NSG reiterated the core message driving the seminar: "Modern Terror Needs a Modern Response," emphasising the nation's resolve to be responsive, resilient, and united in the face of evolving security challenges.
