‘Singapore model’ to counter radicals

Mukesh Ranjan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 22

With the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) zeroing in on the “Singapore model” of counter-radicalisation and mainstreaming the affected youth, the officials have begun formulating a multi-layered and structured response mechanism to counter the threat from radicalised youth, especially those linked to the Islamic State.

In the process, sources said, the MHA has asked the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to formulate a standard operating procedure (SOP) for dealing with radical materials and websites along with a multi-layered counselling system involving the family, clergy and professionals for de-radicalisation of infected youth.

Additionally, it is learnt that the MHA is working on creating a dedicated division within the ministry, which will be assigned the task of disseminating effective counter-narrative to the radical viewpoint.

A senior MHA official said: “For Indian conditions, among various counter-radicalisation programmes being undertaken by different countries, the Singapore model, a combination of hard security measures and stringent laws along with community involvement, is best suited and thus we are evolving a system to suit Indian situations.”

The model focuses on imparting a sense of belonging to the de-radicalised youth and promotes inter-community harmony besides national integration, the official said, adding: “The Singapore model has also put in place an elaborate SOP defining the role of the family, teachers and neighbours, especially from communities other than that of the person being de-radicalised.”

While passports of indoctrinated individuals travelling abroad on Indian travel document to join the IS are proposed to be revoked, the counter-radicalisation framework will take care of the reformed elements as well the victims of terrorism, sources said.

As part of the efforts towards counter-radicalisation, a close watch will be maintained on foreign receipts of Wahhabi-Salafi platforms similar to Islamic Research Foundation (of Zakir Naik) that have received substantive foreign receipts over the last few years. The IB has been asked to devise a mechanism to monitor foreign receipts by radical organisations and share the information with the states.