Q.8. ‘Narco-terrorism’ is a threat to India’s internal security Discuss it.

Narco-terrorism is indeed a significant threat to India’s internal security. It refers to the nexus between drug trafficking and terrorism, where the illegal drug trade is used to finance terrorist activities. This phenomenon poses a dual challenge to national security, as it not only fuels terrorism but also causes social harm through drug addiction.

The rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan has exacerbated the issue, as the country has become a major producer of opium. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports that opium production in Afghanistan has consistently exceeded 6,000 tonnes. This increase in production and the subsequent rise in global opium prices have led to a surge in drug trafficking, with India being one of the affected routes.

India’s concerns are not unfounded, given the large seizures of heroin in states like Gujarat, indicating a significant influx of narcotics into the country. The funds generated from this trade are often used to support terrorist activities, which further destabilizes the region.

Moreover, the Indian Army has noted a worrying trend in Jammu and Kashmir, where drug addiction among youth has risen from below 5% in 2008 to around 40% in 2018. This not only affects the social fabric but also provides fertile ground for terrorism to take root.

In summary, narco-terrorism is a visible threat to India’s internal security, with the potential to undermine the nation’s stability both through the direct impact of terrorism and the indirect effects of increased drug addiction within the population. It requires a coordinated policy response that addresses both the supply of narcotics and the financing of terrorism.