As India was recovering from the shock of the Pahalgam massacre and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, a car blast in the Red Fort area of Delhi on November 10—killing 13 people and injuring more than 20—once again stunned the nation. As reported in the media, the Government of India assigned the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

On November 16, 2025, the NIA stated that the driver of the vehicle in which the blast occurred, Umar un Nabi—a doctor by profession—was a "suicide bomber." The agency also arrested a Kashmiri resident for allegedly conspiring with the doctor to carry out the attack. The Government of India has officially declared the incident a terror attack.

Investigators have described the Delhi blast as a sophisticated "white-collar" terror module, allegedly led by a group of doctors recently apprehended by the Jammu and Kashmir Police. They have further claimed that a terror plot involving blasts in Delhi and other cities was conceived as revenge for the Babri Masjid demolition.

According to them, the suspects planned coordinated explosions at least at six locations in the National Capital Region (NCR). The alleged involvement of medical professionals in terrorism is deeply troubling. If doctors, who are trained to save lives, become agents of destruction and death, what hope does humanity have?

Many countries around the world have suffered enormous loss of life and property due to terrorist activities. According to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025, published by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), 66 countries experienced at least one terrorist incident in 2024—an increase from 58 in 2023.

India remains one of the countries most affected, though the frequency of incidents has declined significantly since 2010. Wikipedia lists 123 prominent terrorist incidents in India between 1980 and 2025. The GTI reported 8,749 terrorism deaths in India between 2001 and 2019.

Causes of Terrorism
Each terrorist attack is an occasion to reflect on the root causes of terrorism and explore ways to prevent it. Reacting to the Red Fort blast, Mehbooba Mufti of the Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party (JKPDP) made a controversial statement: "A poisonous atmosphere has been created, and that atmosphere is responsible for the youth of Kashmir deviating from their path and creating their own dangerous path."

Her comment points to one of the contributing factors behind homegrown terrorism. Terrorism is the calculated use of violence or threats to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, government, or other targets to achieve political, religious, or ideological ends. While religious fanaticism can be a motivation, terrorism has no particular religion. Counterterrorism literature identifies several interlinked causes—political, social, economic, ideological, and psychological.

Political and social grievances include oppression, human rights violations, humiliation, lack of political voice under authoritarian or semi-authoritarian regimes, ongoing conflicts, weak governance, and ethno-nationalist or separatist aspirations.

Economic factors such as poverty, inequality, and unemployment also contribute. High levels of poverty and economic marginalisation create an environment of frustration and resentment. Limited employment and social opportunities can make individuals more vulnerable to extremist recruitment.

Ideological and identity-related factors include grievances rooted in political, religious, ethnic, or linguistic identity. Marginalisation, discrimination, and perceived humiliation can push individuals toward extremist ideologies that reject values of tolerance and inclusion.

How to Counter Terrorism
Counterterrorism studies suggest a multi-dimensional approach involving defensive, proactive, and conciliatory strategies:

1. Addressing Conditions Conducive to Terrorism
Promoting social inclusion and cohesion through education and economic opportunities for at-risk communities is crucial. This is particularly relevant in the Indian context. Numerous government and independent studies, including the 2006 Sachar Committee Report, have shown that the Muslim community in India lags behind most other socio-economic groups in income, education, access to basic amenities, access to credit, and representation in formal employment.

Strengthening governance and the rule of law is equally important. Perceived injustice and discrimination can fuel alienation. Many Muslims view the Citizenship Amendment Act and anti-conversion laws as discriminatory. Additionally, despite clear Supreme Court directives, several state governments have demolished the homes of individuals accused of crimes without due process.

For example, the house of Umar un Nabi in Pulwama was demolished following the Red Fort blast. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah questioned the legality and effectiveness of the demolition, warning that such actions may worsen public resentment.

Another essential measure is countering extremist narratives by promoting positive alternative messages and engaging civil society, religious leaders, and the media.

2. Preventing and Combating Terrorism
These strategies involve directly disrupting terrorist activities.
Intelligence gathering and cooperation among national and international agencies are critical for identifying threats and tracking suspects. Some opposition parties have accused the Government of India of intelligence failures in both the Delhi blast and the Pahalgam massacre.

Disrupting financial networks that fund terrorism—through anti-money laundering regulations and monitoring of virtual assets—is also vital. Strengthening border and travel-document security helps restrict the movement of terrorists and materials.

Furthermore, securing vulnerable locations and critical infrastructure (target hardening) is essential, as is countering the use of the internet and social media for propaganda, recruitment, and planning.

3. Building State Capacity and International Cooperation
Governments must create robust legal frameworks for investigating and prosecuting terrorism-related crimes that comply with international standards. Law enforcement agencies require specialised training, including preparation for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats.

In this context, the explosion at the Nowgam police station in Srinagar on November 14, 2025, which killed nine people and caused extensive damage, demands an impartial investigation. The incident raises questions about the protocols for storing explosive materials.

Investigations into several terror attacks in India have revealed international linkages, including cross-border sponsorship by state and non-state actors. Therefore, international cooperation—through bodies like the UN, NATO, and Interpol—is essential for coordinated responses, joint exercises, and mutual legal assistance.

4. Ensuring Human Rights and Upholding the Rule of Law
Counterterrorism measures must respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. Upholding democratic values and avoiding indiscriminate repression are essential because excessive force can be counterproductive and fuel further radicalisation. Robust oversight mechanisms are necessary to ensure accountability and prevent human rights violations by security agencies.

While some argue that overwhelming force can incapacitate terrorist groups, critics warn that it often generates long-term bitterness and backlash. Many human rights organisations and UN bodies have expressed concern about the misuse of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in India.

Critics point out that its vague and broad definitions allow for arbitrary application, often targeting government critics, journalists, students, and civil society organisations. The low conviction rate—little over 2% between 2016 and 2019—raises further concerns about misuse.

Relevance of Mahatma Gandhi
One of Mahatma Gandhi's greatest legacies is his commitment to non-violent conflict resolution. Non-violent methods—such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, restorative justice, truth and reconciliation processes, preventive diplomacy, and the cultivation of empathy—remain crucial for preventing conflict. For broader social and political transformation, non-violent resistance, including peaceful protests and civil disobedience, can challenge injustice without inflicting harm.

Those who resort to violence must remember Gandhi's words: "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind." Hatred and revenge inevitably lead to more violence. Anyone who spreads hatred or revenge is, in effect, sowing the seeds of terrorism. As the UNESCO Constitution reminds us: "Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed."