National Human Right Commission A. Terrorism and Militancy 4.1 Today, India is facing the daunting challenge of protecting the human Chapter - 4 Civil and Political Rights rights of common man in the face of terrorism. With the grim spectre of terrorism continuing to target innocent and defenseless people, the task of protection of human rights has become all the more challenging. 4.2 A peaceful society rests on the pillars of justice and individual’s accountability. The concern for justice has been of paramount importance while dealing with the vexed issue of terrorism. In most of the tragedies associated with terrorism, it is mostly the common people, whose rights are violated. 4.3 An increase in the activities of terrorists and Naxalites has made the role of security forces even more demanding. They are increasingly called upon to control civil unrest, enhance security at important places and also to control and maintain law and order whenever required. 4.4 The Commission is of the firm view that proper observance of human rights is not a hindrance to the promotion of peace and security. Rather, it is an essential element in any worthwhile strategy to preserve peace and security and to defeat terrorism. The purpose of anti-terrorism measures must, therefore, Annual Report - 2015-2016 37