New Delhi, Jul 13: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has flagged growing radicalization in prisons as a serious internal security concern and directed all states and Union Territories to take urgent preventive measures.
In a communication to prison authorities across the country, the MHA issued a set of guidelines recommending screening of inmates, periodic risk assessments, segregation of high-risk prisoners, and enhanced surveillance. The ministry stressed the need to implement structured de-radicalization efforts to maintain public order and prevent extremist influence behind bars.
“Radicalization in prisons is becoming an increasingly critical challenge globally and is often a precursor to serious criminal activity,” the MHA stated. It highlighted that the prison environment—marked by isolation, peer pressure, and limited oversight—can foster extremist ideologies, especially among vulnerable inmates.
The ministry noted that prisoners may be drawn to radical narratives due to alienation, violent tendencies, or anti-social behavior. In some cases, radicalised individuals have orchestrated attacks against fellow inmates, staff, or external targets.
To combat this, the MHA urged states to develop standardised tools for identifying radical tendencies based on behavioural and ideological indicators. It recommended conducting risk assessments at the time of prison entry and periodically during incarceration.
High-risk inmates should be isolated from the general population to prevent the spread of extremist ideology. States have also been advised to consider establishing separate high-security facilities for housing radicalised individuals and terrorists.
Enhanced monitoring, intelligence sharing with law enforcement, and use of surveillance technology were also stressed to detect radical networks operating within prison systems.
The MHA pointed out that maintaining regular family contact could support emotional stability and reduce vulnerability to radicalisation. Authorities were encouraged to enable such interactions as a moderating factor.
The ministry concluded that a proactive, uniform approach is crucial to countering radicalisation and ensuring long-term rehabilitation of prisoners, ultimately contributing to national security and safer prison environments. (Agencies)
