[TOPIC CLASSIFICATION]
- Topic type: Conceptual Analysis + Policy Framework
- PYQ frequency: Medium
- Exam stage: Prelims + Mains
- Primary GS paper: GS3 (Internal Security) + GS1 (Society)
[EXAMINER REASONING]
- Trap: Conflating radicalisation (process) with terrorism (act) - radicalisation is cognitive/behavioural, terrorism is violent action
- Most confused: De-radicalisation vs counter-radicalisation vs prevention - de-radicalisation targets already radicalised, counter-radicalisation targets vulnerable
- Key anchor: No standalone de-radicalisation law in India; UAPA/NIA Act used; state-level models (Kerala, Maharashtra) fill gap
- Current affairs hook: ISIS-K module busts (Kerala, Karnataka), returnees from Afghanistan/Syria, online radicalisation surge post-COVID
- Mains hinge: Balancing security approach with rehabilitation - prisons as radicalisation hubs vs reform centres
Core Concept
Radicalisation refers to the process by which individuals or groups adopt extremist ideologies justifying violence for political, religious, or social objectives. In India, radicalisation manifests across distinct theatres with unique drivers. In Jammu & Kashmir, the mix of political grievance, cross-border patronage (Pakistan's ISI), religious identity, and youth alienation fuels Islamist radicalisation. The Northeast sees ethno-nationalist radicalisation driven by identity assertion, illegal migration fears, and historical neglect. Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in central India draws from Maoist ideology exploiting tribal displacement, land rights, and governance vacuum. Mainland Islamist radicalisation, inspired by global jihadist narratives (ISIS, Al-Qaeda), operates through online propaganda, prison networks, and returnee facilitation.
Drivers are multi-layered. Structural drivers include governance deficits, perceived injustice, identity marginalisation, and economic deprivation. Ideological drivers involve supremacist interpretations of religion or political theory. Enablers include social media (encrypted platforms, Telegram, dark web), prison environments (co-housing with hardened radicals), charismatic recruiters, and transnational linkages. The "lone wolf" phenomenon - self-radicalised actors without direct organisational command - complicates detection. COVID-19 accelerated online radicalisation through increased digital exposure and economic distress.
India's legal framework addresses radicalisation indirectly. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, amended 2004, 2008, 2012, 2019, criminalises membership of terrorist organisations, fundraising, and conspiracy. The 2019 amendment allows individual designation as terrorist. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008, empowers NIA to investigate scheduled offences including radicalisation-related cases. However, no standalone de-radicalisation legislation exists - a gap compared to UK's Prevent Strategy or Singapore's Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG) model.