File photo: Union home minister Amit Shah (Picture credit: PTI)
NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday called for a countrywide upgrade of the anti-terror infrastructure with the creation of an “impenetrable anti-terrorism grid” to protect coming generations from evolving threats and a common anti-terror squad (ATS) structure across states. Inaugurating the ‘Anti-Terrorism Conference-2025’ in the national capital on Saturday, Shah also announced that a “360-degree strike” plan against organised crime was in the works.Appreciating the investigation by the J&K police and other agencies in connection with the blast in Delhi, Shah said that these were not ordinary policing but outstanding examples of watertight investigation. “This is also a great example of how an alert officer can save the country from such a major crisis by remaining vigilant at all times,” Shah said referring to how the entire ‘doctor module’ was busted and three tonne of explosives recovered before they could be detonated as cops dug deeper into some random posters put up in Kashmir.Shah also reiterated that everyone should move forward with the principle of “Duty to Share” instead of “Need to Know” policy. While acknowledging that the central agencies and state police had made good use of technology at their respective levels, Shah pointed out that technology developed in silos and data collected in silos were “like a gun without bullets”.Appraising the investigation into the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Shah said that agencies around the world will study it in the coming days and the results of the probe will put Pakistan in the dock on international platforms. Shah revealed that for the first time, Indian forces executed a dual-strategy of retribution. Through “Operation Sindoor,” the masterminds who planned the incidents were punished, while “Operation Mahadev” saw the elimination of the ground-level executors.During the day, Shah also launched three significant digital tools: an updated NIA crime manual, an Organised Crime Network Database, and a comprehensive database for lost and looted weapons.The home minister also highlighted the inextricable link between organised crime and terrorism. He explained how criminal syndicates involved in extortion often morph into terror facilitators once their leadership moves abroad.To combat this, he announced a “360-degree strike” on organised crime, supported by the newly launched databases. He stressed that operational uniformity across states is the only way to ensure accurate threat assessment.”A common ATS structure for the police across the country is extremely essential; the Director Generals of Police of the states should implement it at the earliest,” Shah remarked.Beyond traditional policing, the home minister touched upon the necessity of “Trial-in-Absentia” for fugitives, suggesting that legal pressure must be used to force terrorists hiding abroad to return and face justice.He also advocated for the mandatory use of platforms like NATGRID and NIDAAN. “As India’s economy continues to grow-now standing as the world’s fourth largest-Shah warned that internal security challenges would increase proportionately. He called for a “ruthless approach” to dismantling terror ecosystems, emphasising that the work done today will define the safety of future generations.
