Why in news
- Ministry of Home Affairs declared the Shahzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
- The network was cited for cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives, and narcotics, alongside recruiting youth for terror activities.
Key terms
First Schedule (UAPA)
The schedule under UAPA listing organisations formally declared as terrorist groups by the Central Government.
Narco-Terrorism
The use of drug trafficking revenues to finance terrorist activities and destabilise state security.
What is the UAPA Legal Framework for Terrorist Organisations?
- Under Section 35 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the Central Government can notify an association as a terrorist organisation by adding it to the First Schedule.
- The 2019 UAPA amendment added provisions empowering the Centre to also designate individuals as terrorists under the Fourth Schedule.
Key Provisions Applied
- Shahzad Bhatti Network added to the First Schedule of UAPA as a prohibited terrorist organisation.
- Enables statutory enforcement mechanisms including asset freezing, banning of operations, and prosecution of members under anti-terror provisions.
Why It Matters
- Targets organised crime-terror nexus engaged in cross-border illicit trafficking of narcotics and weapons.
- Provides legal grounds for central security agencies to interdict digital radicalisation and funding streams.
Prelims facts
- Organisations are designated as terrorist groups under the First Schedule of UAPA 1967.
- Individual terrorist designations were introduced via the UAPA Amendment Act, 2019.
Mains discussion
- Challenges posed by cross-border narco-terror syndicates to internal border security.
- Legal checks and counter-terrorism enforcement mechanisms under UAPA.
Source: PIB
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