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India Needs a National Security Strategy but why? UPSC Editorial
IMPORTANT LINKS
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Analysis Based on |
Article published in The Indian Express as ‘Why India needs an internal security plan for the next five years’ |
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For Prelims |
CAPF |
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For Mains |
NorthEast Insurgency |
What are the Challenges for India’s National Security/ Internal Security Rise of Ethnic Regional or Ideology clashes Post-Independence
India was divided into two different countries bbased on religional violence and this violence created a void in two of the main community of India. North eastern states are facing ethnic and racism seperation. As well as after gaining independence, India faced violent agitations, including Communist uprisings in Bengal and the south during the early 1950s.
Insurgencies and Regional Unrest
The 1960s and 1970s witnessed insurgencies in the Northeast (Nagaland and Manipur), linguistic tensions, and left extremist threats. A Framework Agreement signed with the rebel Nagas in 2015 had raised great hopes, but these remain unfulfilled because of the NSCN (IM)’s insistence on a separate flag and constitution. Whereas from the past year Manipur is facing ethnical clashes. After 75 years of Independence govt still is unable to revoke AFSPA from all the region of NorthEast.
Read on Naga Insurgency.
Left Wing Extremism (Naxalism)
The Naxal-Maoist insurgency in the Red Corridor remains a persistent challenge. In 2010, there were 96 terror-affected districts; now, there are only 46, with a decline in violence. Violence and the resultant deaths had declined by 73 per cent from a high in 2010. Whereas the number of police stations reporting LWE-related violence had come down from 465 police stations across 96 districts in 2010 to 171 police stations across 42 districts in 2023. However the danger remains persistent that it can rise again.
Khalistan Movement
In the 1980s and 1990s, India faced Khalistan insurgency in Punjab. With the support of international organizations and other countries it can rise again.
Read more on Khalistan Movement.
Separatist Movements in J&K
The unrest in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) following Partition remains a persistent problem. While violence levels have decreased, discontent persists. As per Home Minister’s claim terror incidents are down by 66 per cent since the abrogation of Article 370. But it has not been stopped as we can see that terrorists recently struck at four places in the Jammu region. We also cannot decline the foreign hand in making Kashmir unstable.In reality Both domestic and foreign terrorist organisations operate in this region like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Indian Mujahideen, Hizbul Mujahideen etc making it more prone.
Read on Special Status of Jammu & Kashmir.
Technological crime
With increasing technology use, cyber attacks pose a significant threat. These attacks can target critical infrastructure, financial systems, and sensitive information, impacting economic security. dvances in technology, including AI, Machine Learning, and 5G, alter the security landscape.Cyber terrorism, phishing attacks, and cyber fraud pose risks to individuals, businesses, and national infrastructure. Fourth-generation warfare also poses risks to country’s internal security.
Organised Crime
Smuggling, drug trafficking, and extortion harm India’s economy and threaten citizens’ safety. India’s border area is specially prone to this type of trafficking. India’s geographical location contribute more on this as India is in vicinity of Golden triangle and golden crescendent malking it more vulnerable.
How Can India addressed it’s internal threatNational Security Doctrine(NSD)
India lacks a formal National Security Doctrine(NSD), which is essential for addressing internal and external security challenges. The National Security Advisory Board has prepared draftsfrom time to time but it didn’t got approval. But internationally all the powerful countries have an NSD through which they describe the internal and external challenges facing by them and prescribe the policies to deal with it. Hence, India should also adopt this.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is overburdened
It leads to delays in addressing internal security issues. But Internal security matters, demand immediate attention and hence it often do not get the prompt and thorough attention it deserve. Appointing a young junior minister in independent charge of internal security can give a better result. This approach has shown positive results in the past.
State police
India’ s police system needs serious reform and just the way India overthrow the colonial laws the police system needs such a freedom from colonial legacy. Under the Seventh Schedule, ‘public order’ and ‘police’ are state subjects; but the Union can take measures under Article 355 to protect states against internal disturbances. India should make a path in reforming it’s state police.
Restructuring India’s security agency
The IB and CBI need restructuring to enhance their effectiveness. The IB should be given a statutory basis to prevent misuse, and the CBI requires strengthening in terms of legal mandate, infrastructure, and resources. This would help better handle internal security challenges and reduce political misuse.
Structuring CAPF
CAPF has an overall strength of more than a millionbut it is facing many serious internal problems. Like unplanned expansion, inadequate training, falling standards of discipline, rising suicide cases of CAPF’s personnel etc. hence the government should appoint a high-powered commission to go into these problems for a long-term solution.
Addressing Kashmir Issue
The government must take early steps to reorganise the security grid, restore statehood to J&K and hold elections for the Assembly. So that people’s trust can restore in elected govt.
Tackle North east Problem
The government must enforce existing agreements and adopt a comprehensive approach to these issues. As well as govt should adopt a comprehensive approach to take measure to turndown organise crime in this region. The Prime Minister’s direct involvement can be fruitful.
Technology
There is a need to set up a high-powered technology mission to recommend the adoption of latest technologies for the new challenges which the police are already facing or are likely to face in the future.
Tackling Naxalism
In Nandini Sundar v. State of Chhattisgarh (2011), The Supreme Court highlighted the need for a humane approach to dealing with naxalism, emphasizing development and protecting tribal rights. This approach can also work in North East. Hence govt should work on Enhancing economic opportunities, improving infrastructure and education.
Read on Naxalism Movement in India
Conclusion
A country can show strength at the international level only when it is strong from within. There are many threats to internal security in India, considering this a national strategy is necessary. India should move forward in this direction by learning from other nations. Only then will India be able to deal with problems like seperatism movement, Naxalism, terrorism etc. This national strategy will be more useful for India when governments change so that India's security policy remains same.
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