Recent Train Derailments: Role of Pakistan (GS Paper 3, Terrorism)
Context
- A series of alarming train derailments and sabotage attempts in India have raised concerns about a potential coordinated effort known as “Rail Jihad.”
- On September 9, 2024, the Kalindi Express narrowly escaped disaster when it collided with an LPG cylinder placed on the tracks near Mundheri Crossing in Kanpur.
- Although the impact caused a loud explosion, there were no casualties thanks to the alertness of the loco pilot and the emergency braking.
- Railway Protection Force (RPF) officials found the cylinder along with other suspicious items like explosives, a box of matches, and a petrol-filled bottle.
Recent Incidents
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of deliberate attempts to disrupt rail services across India. Recent events include:
- August 31, 2024: In Baran, Rajasthan, motorcycle parts were placed on the tracks but an accident was avoided.
- August 17, 2024: The Sabarmati Express collided with boulders placed on the track.
- August 22, 2024: In Aligarh, a man was arrested for placing an alloy wheel on the tracks.
- August 23, 2024: The Farrukhabad Express narrowly avoided disaster when a large piece of wood was found on the track.
- August 26, 2024: In Pali, Rajasthan, a cement block was placed on the track to derail the Vande Bharat Express.
In addition, on September 9, 2024, another attempt to derail a goods train occurred in Ajmer, Rajasthan, where two cement blocks were placed on the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor. The train did hit the blocks, but no significant damage or casualties were reported.
What is ‘Rail Jihad’?
- The term “Rail Jihad” refers to a suspected coordinated effort to sabotage Indian railway infrastructure, allegedly driven by extremist factions.
- This notion gained traction following the discovery of a video by Pakistan-based terrorist Farhatullah Gori, which demonstrated how to create bombs using everyday items like pressure cookers.
- This video has amplified fears that extremists may be adopting new sabotage tactics to target trains across India.
Terrorist Typologies
Understanding these incidents requires insight into different terrorist typologies, which describe various forms of political violence arising from distinct environments. Here are some key typologies relevant to analyzing the modern terrorist environment:
- The New Terrorism: This typology characterizes modern terrorism that emerged at the end of the 20th century, culminating in the September 11, 2001 attacks. It includes mass casualty attacks from dissident groups, new organizational structures, transnational religious solidarity, and novel moral justifications for violence.
- State Terrorism: This involves terrorism committed by governments against perceived enemies, either internally or externally. It encompasses state-directed violence against domestic or international targets.
- Dissident Terrorism: Perpetrated by nonstate groups against governments or other perceived enemies. This type includes attacks by insurgent groups, rebels, or dissidents.
- Religious Terrorism: Motivated by beliefs that an otherworldly power has sanctioned violence for religious goals. It is often conducted in defense of what is considered the true faith.
- Ideological Terrorism: Driven by political ideologies that justify violent actions to assert the rights or interests of a particular group. It includes terrorism motivated by political or philosophical beliefs.
- International Terrorism: Targets are chosen for their symbolic value on the global stage, affecting international interests or state boundaries.
- Criminal Dissident Terrorism: Profit-driven terrorism, which may involve traditional organized crime or criminal-political enterprises seeking financial gain or funding for their activities.
- Gender-Selective Terrorism: Targets individuals based on gender, either to neutralize potential threats or to destroy cultural identities. This includes systematic violence against men or women to achieve specific objectives.
Legal Framework Against Terrorism in India
India has a robust legal framework to combat terrorism, which includes several key laws:
- Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), 2002: Created to address terrorism, subversion, and insurgency beyond the scope of existing criminal justice systems. It includes provisions for the seizure of proceeds of terrorism and their forfeiture to the state or central government.
- Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967: This act punishes individuals involved in, advocating for, or inciting unlawful activities with imprisonment and fines.
- SAARC Convention (Suppression of Terrorism) Act, 1993: This act addresses terrorism within the framework of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
- Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA): Historically used for internal security, this act has been replaced by more recent legislation but remains a part of India's legal history.
- Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA): Enforced in the past to combat terrorism and disruptive activities, now replaced by more recent laws.
- Disturbed Areas Act (DAA): Provides special powers to manage disturbances in specific areas.
- Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA): Grants special powers to the armed forces to maintain public order in areas declared as "disturbed."
Investigations and Theories
- The Indian government and intelligence agencies are investigating these incidents to determine their origins and motives.
- There are suspicions that these acts of sabotage could be part of a broader conspiracy involving Pakistani extremists.
- The notion of “Rail Jihad” implies that these attacks may be orchestrated or inspired by actors from across the border.
- However, it is crucial to note that not all incidents are directly connected to extremist activities.
- For example, a viral video that purportedly showed damage to the Vande Bharat Express was debunked as being related to routine maintenance at the Ahmedabad Railway Yard, rather than an act of sabotage.
Government Response
- The central government has responded by heightening security measures on railway tracks and increasing surveillance.
- State and central authorities, including the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), are actively investigating these sabotage attempts to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of rail passengers.
Conclusion
- The recent series of train derailments and sabotage attempts, referred to as “Rail Jihad,” highlights a growing concern over the security of Indian railways.
- While there are credible fears that extremist groups, potentially linked to Pakistan, may be involved, each incident requires thorough investigation to uncover the underlying motives and prevent future attacks.
- The Indian government is committed to enhancing security and resilience in the face of these emerging threats to safeguard public safety and maintain the integrity of critical infrastructure.
