28 August 2024 : Daily Answer Writing
Q1) With the help of the map given below, describe the major internal security threats faced by the country. Suggest a comprehensive security framework to minimize these threats.
(250 Words/15 Marks)
ANS
Internal security implies maintaining peace, law and order, and protecting the sovereignty, integrity and unity of the country from various internal threats. Internal security threats faced by India can be summarized as:
- Naxal-Maoist Left Wing Extremism (LWE): Poor developmental indicators, rural poverty, and influence of Marxist/Maoist ideology have fuelled anti-state Naxal movement in Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, et
- Militancy in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K): Aided by proxy war by Pakistan, militancy in J&K is a mix of cross border terrorism, radicalization and alienation.
E.g., Uri attacks. US withdrawal from Afghanistan have further enhanced the security risk.
- Cross-border challenges:
- India-China: Infiltration by Chinese armed personnel, a threat to India’s sovereignty/integrity. E.g., transgression in Galwan valley/Arunanchal Pradesh.
- Indo- Nepal border: Cartographic aggression in Kalapani; Fake currency notes; organized syndicate activities are a challenge.
- India-Bangladesh: Illegal migration of refugees; cattle smuggling; trafficking (drugs, humans and arms)
- India-Myanmar: Small arms trade; drug trafficking; movement of insurgents across porous borders are main threats.
- India-Sri-Lanka: Fisherman issue; racial strife between ethnic Tamils and Sinhalese is threat to India’s internal security.
- Long coastline of India makes it vulnerable to piracy, terror attacks, illegal trade etc.
- Insurgency/Secessionist movements:
- Race, language, culture, state boundaries, and infiltration of refugees from Bangladesh and Myanmar have fuelled insurgency in North-East. E.g., demand for Nagalim by NSCN(K).
- Khalistan movement continues to create ripples in India’s internal security. E.g., Babbar Khalsa International (BKI)
- Drugs and narcotics trafficking: India’s precarious position between Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan) in the North West and the Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Thailand and Laos) in the East has made it vulnerable to drug trafficking.
- Other major challenges:
- Communalization and radicalization of society is a threat to the internal security situation. E.g., recent killing in Udaipur.
- Role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in spreading disinformation is threat to nation’s unity.
- Increasing cyber threats pose a challenge to critical infrastructure. E.g., electricity grid, nuclear installations etc.
The internal security challenges can be minimised through:
- There is a need to enhance the reach of developmental initiatives, check alienation and tackle hardcore insurgents with force. E.g., SAMADHAN approach; Special central assistance for LWE affected areas; implementation of PESA etc.
- Political solution to the refugee crisis in the North east and continuation of dialogue may lead to a more stable North East. E.g., Naga peace talks.
- To tackle the border threats:
- Technology-enabled border surveillance, Border Area Development Programme (BADP), and Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS).
- Three layers of coastal border security include marine police, Coast Guard, and Navy.
- Tackling cyber threats:
- Government measures: CERT-In, National Cyber Co-ordination Centre, Cyber Swachhta Kendra, Cyber Warrior Police Force, National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC), IT Act 2000 etc.
- Promotion of ethical hacking, organizing hackathons etc., can mitigate cyber threats.
- Effective regulation of social media to prevent the spread of fake news.
- There is a necessity to build social harmony in the country through education, awareness and cultural exchanges. E.g., leveraging zonal councils; Nai disha nai manzil, Ek Bharat Sreshta Bharat etc.
- Federal cooperation in tackling security risks, strengthening capacity/capability of the security forces, robust intelligence mechanisms, etc., are germane to a stable internal security environment.
Internal security of the country is an imperative for its all-round growth. Also, it is a shared responsibility of its citizens and the governments
