Inside PRAHAAR: India’s New Seven-Layer Strike
India has finally done something it should have done a long time ago. For the first time ever, our country has released an official counter-terrorism policy. It is an eight-page document prepared by India's Home Ministry, and it is called PRAHAAR — which in Hindi means "Strike." But this is not just a powerful name. It is also a smart acronym where every letter stands for a specific layer of action. Together, these seven layers form India's complete plan to fight terrorism — not just today, but for the decades to come.
So let us understand this in simple language. What is PRAHAAR, what does it say, and why does India need it?
What Is PRAHAAR?
PRAHAAR is India's first-ever official counter-terrorism policy. Think of it as a rulebook — a clear, written document that tells every agency, every police force, every NGO, and every state government exactly what their role is when it comes to terrorism. Before this, everyone had their own way of doing things. Now, India has one unified plan.
The document makes two things crystal clear right at the beginning. First, India has zero tolerance for terrorism — no exceptions, no excuses. Second, India does not link terrorism to any religion, nationality, or ethnicity. This is important. It means India separates the Pakistani state — which the document accuses of using terrorism as a tool — from ordinary Pakistani people. India is attacking a policy, not a people. That is a mature and responsible stand.
The Seven Layers
P stands for Prevention. This is about intelligence gathering. Different agencies must share information with each other without delay. Cyber operations are a big part of this because most terror groups today plan attacks over the internet. Catching them online before they act is the first line of defence.
R stands for Response. Local police are the first to reach any attack site. The NSG — National Security Guard — is India's elite counter-terror force, trained for tough operations like hostage rescue. Their role is now formally written into policy.
A stands for Aggregating Capacities. This means giving our security forces the best technology, resources, and training. It also means creating common protocols across all states so that the response to any attack is fast, coordinated, and effective.
H stands for Human Rights and Rule of Law. Even while fighting terrorism, India must follow due process. Remember Ajmal Kasab — the Pakistani terrorist caught during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks? India gave him a fair trial. That was not weakness. That was integrity. This policy wants to preserve that legacy.
A stands for Attenuating Conditions That Lead to Terrorism. This is about fighting radicalization from the roots. NGOs, religious leaders, and community preachers are called upon to identify and guide vulnerable youth. The policy also talks about education, housing, and jobs — because poverty and hopelessness are often what push young people towards dangerous paths.
A stands for Aligning with Global Efforts. India cannot fight terrorism alone. Intelligence sharing, extradition treaties, and working with the United Nations to designate foreign terrorists — all of this is part of the plan. Global problems need global solutions.
R stands for Recovery and Resilience. When a terror attack happens, it does not just kill — it traumatises. Survivors carry that pain for life. This layer focuses on healing — through doctors, psychologists, NGOs, and proper support systems. A society that recovers fast is a society that cannot be broken.
Why Did India Need This Policy?
There are three solid reasons. First, it is a statement of intent. India has suffered tremendously because of terrorism. Hundreds of lives have been lost. Every government has said "zero tolerance" — but now it is written, official, and institutionalised. Words have become policy.
Second, it gives clarity to everyone involved. Police, NSG, NGOs, state governments — everyone now knows their exact role. It is like a guidebook that removes confusion and creates coordination.
Third, and most importantly, it takes a whole-of-society approach. Most of the time, the conversation around terrorism is limited to revenge and retaliation. But this policy goes much further — it asks how we can prevent attacks, how we can remove the root causes, and how we can help those who survive. That is the kind of long-term thinking India has needed for a long time.
As the document itself suggests — PRAHAAR is not just a strike at the branches. It is a strike at the very roots of terrorism. And that makes all the difference.
(Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany.)
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or position of the publication, its editors, or its management. The publication is not responsible for the accuracy of any information, statements, or opinions presented in this piece.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
No more street vending on B’luru’s main roads, as govt plans to bring new policy for street hawkers
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday said that the state government has decided to formulate a new policy for footpaths in Bengaluru, under which street vending will not be allowed on main roads and sub-main roads.
Addressing the media after a budget preparation meeting and executive meeting of GBA corporations at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar said discussions were held with MLAs from the GBA region regarding the corporations’ budgets and key civic issues.
Leader of Opposition R. Ashok also participated in the meeting and shared his views. Officials from multiple departments, including police, BESCOM, BMRCL, BWSSB and BDA, along with ministers and legislators, were present.
He stated that all five municipalities have prepared their individual budgets, while MLAs have submitted their demands, including calls for ward-wise grants.
“We have decided to bring a new policy for footpaths. Citizens are struggling to walk as footpaths are encroached upon by street vendors,” Shivakumar said.
Highlighting the need to balance livelihoods and public convenience, he added that “a separate space will be provided for street vendors, and specific roads will be designated for their business,” ensuring that pedestrians can use footpaths without obstruction. He noted that there was unanimous agreement among MLAs on this approach.
Issuing a warning to vendors, Shivakumar said that authorities will act against those violating the rules. “If vendors operate during the day and leave their carts on the roadside at night, authorities will clear them. People should be aware of this,” he said.
Providing data on street vendors, he said that around 60,000 vendors have registered so far, of which 30,000 have applied for vehicles, and a tender has already been floated.
“Only those with street vendor identity cards will be allowed to do business. Those without ID cards will not be permitted to operate on the streets,” he added.
