New Delhi: The ninth edition of the National Security Strategy Conference began in Delhi with more than 850 senior officials from security forces, central intelligence agencies and state police forces taking part in discussions on the country’s internal security challenges. Chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the two-day conference is focusing on terrorism, cybercrime, financial fraud, drug trafficking, illegal infiltration and security threats linked to encrypted applications.
It noted that international intelligence organisations such as Interpol and Five Eyes identify people between 15 and 25 as a key recruitment demographic for extremist groups. The programme attributed this vulnerability partly to the fact that the prefrontal cortex, associated with logical thinking and assessing consequences, develops fully only around the age of 25. The suspects have been identified as Prabhpreet Singh, a resident of Amritsar, and Lovepreet Singh and Jashanpreet Singh, both residents of Tarn Taran. Police recovered around six kilograms of gelatin sticks, a detonator, a power source and a remotely operated triggering system, which they allegedly intended to use to prepare an IED. A pistol, a magazine and five live cartridges were also recovered. The programme also highlighted concerns over the recruitment of young people by extremist organisations.
Prabhpreet Singh, the 19-year-old suspect arrested in Chandigarh, was described as one such case.
Handlers can exploit heightened emotions, anger and feelings of rebellion among young people, according to the analysis. Younger recruits may also attract less initial suspicion from security agencies and can consequently be used as sleeper cells or couriers. Terrorist organisations are also accused of presenting young recruits with narratives about fighting for a greater cause, becoming a messiah or protecting their community. His family reportedly had no indication that the daily-wage labourer could be involved in terrorist activities.
The analysis also pointed to the use of drone technology by Punjab’s youth for agricultural purposes. With assistance from NABARD and the Centre’s subsidy scheme, young people are setting up agri-tech startups and working as agricultural drone pilots, turning a technology used by Pakistan to smuggle weapons and heroin into a means of livelihood and development.
