R&AW Undertakes Project to Tackle Rising Radicalisation in Youth

The initiative hopes to identify indicators of radicalisation through behavioural analyses & data mapping.

The Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW) has undertaken a project to understand the reasons for increased radicalisation of youth across India, and suggest possible counter-measures to tackle religious extremism in the country, Hindustan Times reported.

The programme, reportedly called the 'Rad & Derad Programme,' is being overseen by the National Police Mission Programme, anchored by the Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPRD) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The research is a rare endeavour of the Centre that aims to provide elaborate insight into religious radicalisation and all forms of extremism. It will not focus on any particular religion but on the idea of radicalisation itself.

BPRD Statement 

The National Police Mission was introduced in 2005 to equip police forces to tackle emerging challenges and to offer specialised training in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and cyber and economic crimes through research.

“The team includes officials from central investigative agencies, state police forces, academicians, and experts in the domain,” the official added.

In the era of proxy wars, a synergetic response by security agencies in collaboration with civil society could provide workable ways, not only to prevent but also to neutralise non-inclusive vectors that may damage the democratic fibre.

AP Maheshwari, Director-General, Bureau of Police Research & Development

The research will focus on determining reasons for the youth adopting radical beliefs, common threads among cases of radicalisation, and the influence of community interventions and policing strategies on religious extremism.

Hindustan Times adds, quoting official documents, that the focus will be on creating state mechanism and other structures to deal with radicalisation, including data analysis, social mapping, engaging with community leaders, the transfer of appropriate and adequate knowledge, and creating a healthier environment to prevent radicalisation.

(With inputs from Hindustan Times.)

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