Shah Calls for Uniform Anti-Terror Structure to Boost India’s Counter-Terrorism Capabilities

New Delhi: The 5th Anti-Terror Conference of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) concluded with a strong emphasis on enhancing India’s anti-terror capacity, supported by a model Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) structure. Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the conference, directing states to expeditiously implement the uniform ATS structure to strengthen counter-terrorism capabilities.

Shah lauded agencies’ success in recent terror attacks, including Pahalgam and Delhi Red Fort blast, saying they “made the country proud”. He termed the neutralisation of Pahalgam attackers as a “strong and decisive response” to terrorist masterminds in Pakistan. Shah stressed the need for continuous evaluation of changing technology and terror landscape, addressing international dimensions like cyber warfare and hybrid warfare.

The Minister highlighted the importance of strengthening investigation and prosecution capabilities, asking states to conduct regular training for security personnel. He congratulated officers honoured with service medals and paid tributes to over 36,000 CAPFs and police personnel who made supreme sacrifices.

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan emphasised India’s zero tolerance to terrorism, stressing vigilance against radicalisation and recruitment of vulnerable youths. He lauded NIA’s 90+ per cent conviction rate and aimed to scale it across police forces.

The conference focused on lessons from investigations, preemptive disruptions, and new security threats like deepfakes and hybrid warfare. Discussions included countering terrorism financing, maritime terrorism, and evolving counter-terrorism jurisprudence. Over 150 delegates from state and central organisations attended.