THE CONTEXT: India’s internal security landscape requires a comprehensive overhaul to address longstanding challenges and emerging threats. As the NDA government begins its new term with a strong mandate, it has a unique opportunity to implement far-reaching reforms across various aspects of internal security. Certain key areas demand urgent attention and strategic action.
THE ISSUES:
- National Security Doctrine (NSD): India lacks a formal NSD, which is essential for addressing internal and external security challenges. The National Security Advisory Board has prepared drafts in the past, but these have not been approved. An NSD would provide a structured approach to internal security, reducing the current ad hocism, especially during government transitions.
- Internal Security Ministry: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is overburdened, leading to delays in addressing internal security issues. Appoint a young junior minister in independent charge of internal security to ensure prompt and thorough attention to these matters. This approach has shown positive results in the past.
- Jammu and Kashmir: Despite claims of reduced terror incidents, Jammu and Kashmir remains unstable. Recent attacks indicate ongoing threats. The government must reorganize the security grid, restore statehood, and hold Assembly elections to stabilize the region.
- Northeast India: The Northeast faces significant security challenges, including unresolved agreements with rebel groups, ethnic conflicts, illegal migration, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling. The government must enforce existing agreements and adopt a comprehensive approach to these issues. The Prime Minister’s direct involvement is recommended to address these complex problems effectively.
- Naxal Problem: While violence related to left-wing extremism has declined, the government should now focus on reconciliation. Offering a unilateral ceasefire and addressing the grievances of Naxal groups could help integrate them into mainstream society.
- Restructuring the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): 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.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Formulation and Implementation of a National Security Doctrine (NSD): The Subrahmanyam Committee Report (1979) and the Kargil Review Committee Report (2000) have emphasized the need for a formal NSD to guide security reforms and ensure a coordinated national approach. The NSD should encompass military, diplomatic, economic, and social policies to protect and promote national security interests. It should be periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changing security dynamics.
- Establishment of an Internal Security Ministry: Under the Seventh Schedule, ‘public order’ and ‘police’ are state subjects; the Union can take measures under Article 355 to protect states against internal disturbances. A dedicated Internal Security Ministry with a junior minister in independent charge can ensure focused and prompt attention to internal security issues.
- Addressing the Jammu and Kashmir Situation: Early steps to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and hold Assembly elections are crucial for political stability and addressing local grievances. Reorganizing the security grid and ensuring seamless coordination among security agencies can help counter terrorism effectively. Puttaswamy’s Judgment (2017) emphasizes the importance of protecting individual rights while ensuring national security, relevant for balancing security measures with civil liberties in J&K.
- Comprehensive Approach to Northeast India: Rigorous implementation of the suspension of operations agreement with rebel groups and addressing their demands through dialogue can help stabilize the region. Addressing economic marginalization through targeted development projects and improving infrastructure can reduce insurgency by providing alternative livelihoods. Standing Committee on Home Affairs (2018) recommended intensifying efforts to contain insurgency and enhance cooperation between state police forces in the Northeast.
- Tackling Naxalism with a Multi-Pronged Strategy: Offering a unilateral ceasefire and engaging in dialogue with Naxal groups can help address their grievances and integrate them into the mainstream. Enhancing economic opportunities, improving infrastructure, and ensuring the security of peace-loving citizens are crucial for long-term solutions. 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.
THE CONCLUSION:
A country projects its strength at the international level in direct proportion to its internal cohesion and ability to resolve internal differences. The country’s internal security scenario would significantly improve by initiating action on the outlined internal security measures with foresight and imagination. This would ensure that no swamps exist where terrorists or extremists can breed, thereby enhancing national strength and stability.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q.1 What are India’s internal security challenges? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats. 2023
Q.2 Analyze the multidimensional challenges external state and non-state actors pose to India’s internal security. Also, discuss measures required to be taken to combat the threats. 2021
Q.3 What are the sound determinants of left-wing extremism in the Eastern part of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration, and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas? 2020
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1 India’s internal security challenges require a comprehensive and forward-looking approach. Discuss the key areas that need attention to strengthen India’s internal security framework concerning institutional reforms and policy initiatives.
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