Emerging Dynamics & Challenges of Internal Security in India

A strong nation is one that can effectively deal with internal security challenges because domestic peace and security not only give its citizens opportunities to develop and grow but also strengthen the position of the nation in the international arena and economy. India is a vibrant and stable democracy that offers its citizens a life that is peaceful and dignified. Despite being a vibrant democracy and a rapidly growing economy, India has faced and is still facing various challenges on the internal security front. Immediately after independence, we had to deal with challenges of religious violence due to partition and displacement. Then we faced the challenge of linguistic chauvinism in various parts of the country, which continued in southern parts of the country, particularly in Tamil Nadu, even after the process of state reorganization was completed in the 1970s. Some of the more serious challenges that followed include insurgency in the northeastern parts of the country, Naxalism (since 1967), and more recently, terrorism. Over the last 20 years, many of the internal security challenges have lost their menace or have become less worrisome, such as linguistic chauvinism and regionalism. At present, they cease to be internal security challenges. However, a few challenges still pose a significant level of security threat, including Naxalism, insurgency in the northeast, and terrorism. Additionally, with changing times, their dynamics have also changed. Furthermore, a few new challenges have emerged, including organized crime, drug trafficking, and attacks like the 26/11 attack in Mumbai. When discussing internal security challenges, insurgency in the northeast is the first thing that comes to mind. Insurgency in the northeastern region of the country has been present since independence, and the problem is multidimensional. It is not only against the state apparatus, as in the case of Naxalism, but it also has other dimensions like one tribe against another tribe, tribals against non-tribals, and migrants versus indigenous people, etc. While out of the seven northeastern states, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Mizoram have been brought to almost normalcy, in other states like Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland, insurgency still has strong roots. In the case of Assam, the problem is very complex and involves different organizations with antagonistic interests, such as the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), All Bodo Tigers Front (ABTF), Dima Hasao insurgents, etc. An important issue while dealing with this is the fact that being an internal security problem, the state cannot rely solely upon force to deal with it. The issue of insurgency can be addressed by adopting a multi-pronged strategy, which includes structural changes in administration at the grassroots level, practical devolution of power to the regional autonomous councils established under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution, improved infrastructure in the areas, and mainstreaming the youth with fellow countrymen through specific schemes like Ishan Uday and Ishan Vikas. In many cases, the proportionate use of force is required to check the growing influence of insurgents and their infiltration through porous borders. However, force alone cannot solve the issue, so insurgency can be contained only through negotiations with all involved actors. For example, the Mizo Peace Accord in 1985 brought peace in Mizoram, and the recent deal with NSCN (Issak-Muivah) has the potential to bring long-term peace in Nagaland. "The issue of Naxalism in India dates back to 1967 and is still very much active. Naxalism is present in around 14 states of India, with central India being the worst affected. The Naxalism movement began to protect the rights of tribals and weaker sections of society, but slowly its sole agenda became to oppose the state in all its forms and structures. Though Naxals tried to develop an alternate model of governance in areas controlled by them, most of the Naxal-affected areas remain devoid of any governance apparatus. Also, Naxalism has claimed the lives of many, including tribals and security personnel. Earlier, Naxals were largely supported by neighboring countries, particularly by China, with arms and money, but at present, they have mainly developed ties with other insurgent groups. Another recent trend emerging is the spread of Naxal ideology in urban areas and gathering intellectual and material support from urban centers for activities in Naxalite areas. The state cannot deal with Naxalism just by using force, as in the case of insurgency in NE India. This is because Naxalism has a stronghold in tribal areas, as tribals feel alienated from the mainstream. Additionally, in the last 40 years, out of the 60 million people who got displaced, 40% are tribals. The lack of infrastructure and basic facilities like schools and healthcare has led to apathy towards the state. Therefore, the government should focus on the development of public infrastructure in affected areas, skill development of the youth (e.g., Roshani Scheme in 84 Naxal-affected areas), effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006 and RESA Act 1996, which can ensure the participation of tribals in development and decision-making. Also, the recent Pradhan Mantri Khanij Khestra Vikas Yojana (PMKKVY) can address the grievances of people affected by mining activity. Finally, effective intelligence sharing and coordination between different security agencies are very important, especially the state police who lack weapons and other security infrastructure. Therefore, attention should be paid to the modernization of security forces, including state police. Additionally, those in combat roles should receive training at regular intervals. Terrorism in India originated in the 1980s following the insurgency in Punjab and later in Jammu & Kashmir, but terrorism at present has become a global phenomenon. Links between terrorism and organized crime were first established in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blast and have been growing since then. At present, this association has become a 'Black Hole Syndrome' where organized crime, narco-trafficking, and terrorism have converged and almost become one entity. The state should deal with terrorism with an iron fist. Terrorism is only possible with the help of domestic support, such as sleeper cells. Therefore, effective intelligence gathering at the local level and coordination between various security agencies are very important. Stringent actions must be taken against those involved in terrorism. In India, religious violence often serves as a cause for terrorist acts and the radicalization of youths. So, a prompt response is a must to prevent communal violence and alienation among minorities. In addition to the above internal security problems, a few other problems pose a serious threat to the internal security of our country, including drug trafficking, the issue of counterfeit currency, organ trafficking, money laundering, etc. In the case of the counterfeit currency issue, indigenization of printing and security paper technology and effective control of the flow of counterfeit currency notes through porous borders will help deal with the menace. Also, recently the government has classified the act of issuing and circulating counterfeit currency notes as a 'terrorist' activi ty "India's peculiar geographical location between two hotspots of narcotrafficking, i.e., the Golden Triangle in East Asia and the Golden Crescent on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, has resulted in an increased menace of narcotic trade. The population, especially the youths in Northwestern India, particularly in Punjab, and in the northeastern parts of the country, are suffering from the problem of narcotic dependence. This has led to an increased criminalization of youths, health issues including an increased prevalence of HIV in northeastern states, and also a loss of demographic dividend for the country. Another important aspect of narcotrafficking is the increased participation of organized criminals and the use of the narcotics trade for terrorist financing by various terrorist and insurgent groups. This can be addressed by the effective implementation of the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Act 1988, sensitization of border security personnel about effective ways to deal with traffickers/trafficking, effective checks on trade through porous borders, and increasing awareness among youths about the ill effects of narcotics while providing them corrective and rehabilitation facilities. India, being a growing economy, has immense potential to become a world power, but to achieve this, we need to effectively deal with our internal security challenges. With the global rise in acts of terrorism and the rise of brutal groups like ISIS, terrorism today poses a challenge for humanity as a whole. India, through its democratic, participatory, inclusive society, along with a robust security and intelligence apparatus and coordination with international agencies, will successfully cope with these challenges and provide its citizens with a peaceful environment that will enable them to explore their potential to the fullest."