Mains Practice Questions

Approach:

• Begin by defining narco-terrorism.
• Analyze how narco-terrorism affects India’s demographic dividend.
• Suggest preventive and rehabilitative measures to shield the young population from this menace.
• Conclude with a suitable way forward.

Introduction:

Narco-terrorism refers to the nexus between drug trafficking and terrorist activities, where proceeds from narcotics fund extremist networks. In India, its impact is particularly severe on the youth, undermining the demographic dividend—defined by UNFPA as the potential economic growth from a large working-age population. With 65% of India’s population below 35 years, narco-terrorism not only weakens health and productivity but also poses grave national security threats.

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Narco-Terrorism in India

• Geostrategic Vulnerabilities:
  • The Golden Crescent (Afghanistan-Pakistan-Iran) and the Golden Triangle (Myanmar-Laos-Thailand) make India highly vulnerable.
  • Punjab, Manipur, Assam, and coastal states face inflows of synthetic drugs.
• Funding Terrorism:
  • The narcotics trade sustains terror outfits like the Taliban, ISI-backed groups, and insurgent groups in the Northeast.
  • UNODC notes that drug trafficking globally generates $320 billion annually, part of which fuels terrorism.
• Youth as Soft Targets:
  • Increasing urban stress, unemployment, and peer pressure expose youth to drugs.
  • The number of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) cases registered increased nearly 70% from 2012 to 2022.

Impact on India’s Demographic Dividend

• Health Crisis:
  • India has 1 crore+ drug addicts (AIIMS 2019 survey).
  • Rising cases of HIV, Hepatitis, and mental disorders reduce the healthy workforce pool.
• Economic Losses:
  • Loss of productivity, absenteeism, and healthcare burden.
  • World Bank estimates drug abuse leads to GDP losses of up to 2% annually in developing nations.
• Social Disruption:
  • Drug abuse fuels crime, domestic violence, and juvenile delinquency.
  • Weakens family structures and community trust.
• National Security Threat:
  • Narco-money strengthens terror infrastructure, weakening law and order.
  • Drug routes overlap with arms smuggling, threatening internal security.

Preventive Measures

• Strengthening Border Management:
  • Smart fencing, surveillance drones, and joint task forces with neighbouring countries.
  • Regional cooperation under the SAARC Drug Offences Monitoring Desk.
• Strict Law Enforcement:
  • Full implementation of the NDPS Act, 1985, with fast-track courts.
  • Cracking down on the darknet and cryptocurrency-based drug trade.
• Education and Awareness
  • Curriculum-based sensitization on drug abuse.
  • Social media campaigns involving influencers, similar to "Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan."

Rehabilitative Measures

• Community-Centric De-addiction Programs:
  • Accessible rehab centres, especially in high-risk states like Punjab.
  • Involvement of NGOs and faith-based organisations.
• Skill Development and Employment Generation:
  • Providing constructive alternatives for youth through Skill India and start-up incentives.
• Psychological and Social Support:
  • Counseling in schools, workplaces, and communities.
  • Promoting empathy-based approaches instead of the criminalization of addicts.

Ethical and Policy Dimensions

• Right to Health: Recognizing addiction as a disease, not a crime.
• Youth as Human Capital: Protecting them ensures justice to future generations.
• Probity in Governance: Plugging corruption in law enforcement agencies is critical.

Conclusion:

Narco-terrorism erodes India’s demographic dividend while empowering extremist forces. As urged by the Standing Committee on Social Justice (2019) and the National Policy on NDPS (2012), expanding de-addiction, awareness, and rehabilitation must be prioritised. A drug-free youth is India’s strongest pillar of security and progress.