Post graduate course in counter terrorism

At a time when the country is reeling under the impact of a series of terrorist attacks, Pune-based NGO Sarhad has introduced post-graduate programme called Counter Terrorism and Peace Management. A first of its kind, the course is due to set sail on Octoer 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi when it will be formally announced at the Sarhad Research Centre.

Rendering its services to terror-stricken Jammu and Kashmir, the NGO also runs a chain of colleges including technical institutions. The Sarhad Research Centre for Counter-terrorism and Peace Management, which will run this course, has applied for the University Grant Comissions’ accreditation for the course.
 
This course, brainchild of Sarhad founder Sanjay Nahar, was designed in the wake of Mumbai 2008 carnage. Sahar said India has been blighted by numerous terror attacks. The increase in the number of terror attacks in the recent times has underlined the need to have a better understanding of the phenomenon. 
 
Citing the ghastly Mumbai 26/11 incident, he further said:
“After the Mumbai terror attacks, it has become very important that we study terrorism and educate people about counter-terrorism strategy”
 
The pilot batch of 18 students has witnessed the enrollment of masters in business administration (MBA), hotel management graduates and media professionals. 
 
While the first year of the course will deal with the etymology and philosophy of terrorism, terrorist ideologies and modus operandi, national policy and role of the print and electronic media, the second year will include different terrorist groups, socio-economic factors that mould a terrorist’s mindset, control strategy, retention camps, drugs and arms trafficking.
 
The course structure has been designed by experts in various related fields like legal, administrative, police, academic and security under the guidance of Aligarh Muslim University’s former vice-chancellor Mahmud-ur-Rahman. Visiting faculty from terror-affected Asian countries like Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Iraq will also be invited to interact with the students.