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On 01 August 2024, the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) hosted a comprehensive book discussion on Dr Abhinav Pandya’s book titled Terror Financing in Kashmir. Under the aegis of Dr Arvind Gupta, Director VIF, the event brought together a distinguished panel of discussants, including Shri S M Sahai, Lt Gen Satish Dua (Retd), and Amb Anil Trigunayat (Retd), to delve into the complex issue of terror financing in the Kashmir region. The discussion aimed to shed light on the intricacies of the problem, explore counter-terrorism strategies, and foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Bharat.

The panellists and participants acknowledged the book’s comprehensive exploration of the layered and multifaceted nature of terror financing in Kashmir. The discussion highlighted the involvement of various state and non-state actors in this intricate system. The event explored the roles played by different stakeholders, including Pakistan, separatist groups, and local intermediaries, in facilitating terror financing. The discussion emphasised the need to address the issue holistically by strategically targeting all involved parties. Through their experiences in Kashmir, during their respective service, the panellists— Shri Sahai and Lt Gen Dua (Retd), highlighted the significant challenges counter-terrorism agencies face in combating terror financing. The complex financial networks, cross-border operations, the support of the Over-Ground Workers (OGWs), and evolving tactics of terror groups were identified as substantial hurdles often in countering the menace of terror financing.

The discussion generated valuable insights into potential counter-terrorism strategies. The discussants and participants proposed recommendations, including strengthening existing intelligence-sharing mechanisms, enhancing financial surveillance, and fostering international cooperation to effectively address terror and terror financing. The book discussion generated significant interest among attendees, who actively participated in the Q&A session. The questions focussed on the effectiveness of existing counter-terrorism measures and other essential aspects, including the role of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the UN conventions in combating terror financing.

The book discussion on Terror Financing in Kashmir was an informative and engaging event, contributing to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of terror financing and highlighting the need for a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to counter this threat.