Towards a Common Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Structure in India

• The Union Home Minister has called for a uniform Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) structure across India.
• The emphasis was made at the ‘Anti-Terrorism Conference-2025’, which was organized by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Recent Developments by NIA

• The NIA has developed a common ATS framework to standardize counter-terrorism operations.
  • This framework has been shared with State police forces for adoption and implementation.
• The Updated NIA Crime Manual was unveiled to guide investigation and prosecution procedures.
• The Organised Crime Network Database was launched to map and track terror-linked criminal networks.
• The Lost and Recovered Weapon Database was introduced to monitor illicit arms circulation.

Significance of a Common ATS Framework

• Evolving Nature of Terrorism: Terrorism has become complex, trans-regional, and technology-driven.
  • Terror groups increasingly use Artificial Intelligence (AI) for planning and blockchain-based transactions for funding.
• Uniformity and Standardisation: Common Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ensure consistent preparedness across States.
  • Uniform SOPs enable a seamless process from investigation to prosecution and counter-action.
• Improved Inter-Agency Coordination: A common framework strengthens coordination among State police forces.
  • It enhances cooperation with central agencies such as the NIA.
  • It improves intelligence sharing with agencies like the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
• Operational Efficiency: Standardized training improves the professional capacity of ATS units nationwide.
  • Common databases ensure real-time access to actionable intelligence.
  • Uniform technology adoption ensures similar operational capabilities across States.

India’s National Anti-Terrorism Framework

• National Agencies: India’s counter-terrorism architecture includes the NIA, National Security Guard (NSG), and Intelligence Bureau (IB).
• National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID): It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
  • NATGRID enables real-time intelligence sharing by integrating multiple databases for security agencies.
• National Integrated Database on Arrested Narco Offenders (NIDAAN): It tracks individuals arrested for narcotics-related offences.
• Preventing Terror Financing: The Terror Funding and Fake Currency Cell (TFFC) functions under the NIA.
  • The Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Cell operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs to curb terror funding channels.