War on terror continues

The Delhi blast is an indicator that India's war on terror is nowhere near concluding, despite conveying strong messages to Islamabad by means of military strikes. Till the Red Fort blast, terrorism was largely restricted to Kashmir, at least in the past decade. Continuing counterterrorist operations in Kashmir have proved that terrorism can only be contained, not eradicated.

- HARSHA KAKAR

However, the positive aspect is that numbers of local militants in Kashmir are receding, while overground workers providing support remain at large. These are now the target of intelligence agencies. In addition, as the recent Delhi blast proved, radicalization is again raising its ugly head and that too across the country.

Homegrown terrorism is a global concern. Intelligence agencies in western countries spend vast resources monitoring those suspected of terrorist leanings. 'Lone wolf' attacks by radicalized members have been replaced by modules, capable of much greater destruction. The module busted in Andhra Pradesh, involving a doctor from Gujarat, had planned to use Ricin to poison water and temple prasad in multiple cities. This could have resulted in high casualties and increased demands for retaliation.

The problem for intelligence agencies is compounded by the fact that some of these modules comprise educated and respected members of society, whose handlers are located abroad and their organizations funded by the hawala route. Most modules are small and their members know each other well, hence are closely knit. There were a few radicalized engineers from Kerala joining ISIS but never doctors.

Communications of the module with handlers abroad are by secure apps that cannot be easily monitored. Modules are spread across the country and in many cases lie dormant unless instructed by their handlers to act. They remain outside the radar based on their profession and standing within society. Added is the aspect that they collect material for their nefarious activities slowly, avoiding suspicion.