Internal Security | India’s internal security-challenges & solutions

Internal security is an act of ensuring and keeping peace within the borders of a nation by maintaining the national law and order and defending its people from internal security threats. Responsibility to maintain it lies with agencies ranging from police to paramilitary forces.

Since independence, India has faced a multitude of security challenges to its nationhood - both external and internal - and to its emergence as a deservingly significant player in the global order. Located in one of the most secure and politically stressed regions of the world, and with some not so friendly neighbors, sharing nearly 7000 km of active international borders with seven nations, and a coastline spanning over 15000 km, India’s external security challenges are indeed formidable.

There are two apparent and simultaneous challenges before the country and society. First, to tackle the deviation of the youth being psychologically controlled by people who threaten internal security and second, to bring back those valuable human resources which have already been deviated from the mainstream of society. Therefore, this exercise would not be possible only by the forces but would also need the participation of the society which has to play a contributory role in the prevention of such threats and healing the nation.

One cannot ignore the glaring fact that misguided youth who have now become a threat to internal security is, in fact, valuable national human resources. Irrespective of the remedy and treatment provided by the law, social healing may be an effective way to minimize the damage. The society at large has to play a concrete role along with the forces already tackling the challenges emerging out of the internal security threats. It would be a Utopian thought to solve problems related to internal security without proactive and consistent participation of society.

International terrorism poses the greatest challenge to the security and stability of the country. It was until recently confined to the state of Jammu & Kashmir but has gradually spread across the length and breadth of the country. The terrorists are opposed to the idea of India; they want to destroy its icons and its symbols.

External challenges, in today’s increasingly troubled world, are by no means, exclusive in their orientation and impact. India’s internal security challenges, for decades, have also been pronouncedly sponsored and largely influenced by external machinations and fraud. However, it is also an accepted reality that, in recent times, external and internal threats do overlap seamlessly, apart from having multiplied in their intensity. Asymmetric and proxy wars are part of this new dynamic.

Over the last 73 years, India’s internal conflicts have ranged from Pakistani planned and supported insurgency, terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, and other Indian states, on-off-on internal unrest in some of India’s restive North Eastern (NE) states including Assam. Additionally, persistent efforts by Pakistan’s notorious spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), to foment communal trouble in Punjab and fan ‘Khalistani’ separatism, growing Naxal-Maoist Left Wing Extremism (LWE) threats in India’s hinterland(आंतरिक इलाके), occasional sectarian, communal and language tensions, organized crime, money laundering, drug trafficking, and now cyber driven crimes are the major internal security challenges confronting the Indian state. That since the last 2 years or so there has also been an upsurge in undesirable Right Wing Extremist tendencies among some fringe elements inside India cannot be denied.

Common Factors Impacting Internal Security in India

Internal Security has many constituents and apart from external influences impacting it, there exist certain common factors which, historically, impinged its contours in the Indian context. Some of these are briefly discussed below.

=> India is home to countless faiths and sub faiths, cultures, castes, languages, regions, customs, and its diversity, though uniquely beautiful, is indeed mind-boggling. By conservative estimates, India is home to nearly 1660 languages (22 official) and dialects, nearly 3000 castes and sub-castes, and virtually all known world religions - making India, indeed, a microcosm of the world. It lends itself to major internal strife when provoked both from within or by external influences. 

=> The other nation born from the womb of Mother India since the parent nation’s violent partition in 1947, Pakistan, remains obsessively anti-India, grossly interfering in India’s internal affairs, fanning terrorism not only in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) but in some other states also besides try to impose separatist feelings in some states of India, notably Punjab, Assam and in Naxal-Maoist afflicted regions.

=> Pakistan’s continuing mischief inside India has adversely affected India’s internal security health - a factor which successive Indian governments have tended to underestimate despite wars with Pakistan in 1947-48, 1965, 1971, and the 1999 Kargil conflict.

=> Mediocre and insensitive governance in some states, especially those reeking in poverty, religion, and caste divides, also lend themselves to adverse internal conflicts within the nation.

=> India is now a youth- predominant nation, with over 65 percent of its population being under 35 years, which makes India into a very aspirational society. Millions of youth seek suitable employment, better living standards and a million dreams of theirs remain to be fulfilled. Any delays on such vital societal issues automatically contribute to economic and social frustrations which may lead to serious law and order problems besides youth finding their way to anti-national organizations including being influenced by international terror, smuggling networks, etc.

=> Terrorism and Asymmetric Warfare:

Since the last many decades, the phenomenon of terrorism has been an alarmingly spreading distress of the modern age. One of the nations most affected by it has been India owing to its neighbor, Pakistan, having adopted terrorism as an extension of state policy to destabilize India. Not only in J&K but in other Indian states too, Pakistan has been zealously pursuing its anti-India, though myopic policies, of fomenting terror and unrest. Being a nuclear-armed “failing state” and coupled with a rise in extremism makes Pakistan portend grave dangers for India. As we cannot expect to witness any major changes in Pakistan’s highly anti-India policies, it is crucially imperative for the Indian security establishment to factor in all security and terror scenarios which may afflict India from its perpetually belligerent western neighbor, now being substantially supported by its mentor, China. That Pakistan is a proxy for China, against India, brooks no explanation.

Secondly, in keeping with the nation’s resolve, India must prepare hard-hitting pre-emptive strike plans on terrorist infrastructure in POK and elsewhere in Pakistan, as and when required.

Thirdly, India must determinedly try to constantly improve its intelligence gathering, analysis, and dissemination machinery - both HUMINT and TECHINT. Pakistan has to be made to realize, both through dialogue and, failing which, by speedy and effective kinetic responses, that terrorism against India will not pay. Importantly, India has to raise the costs for Pakistan whenever it indulges in mischief.

=> Communalism and Growing Regional Assertiveness 

The growth of religious polarization, increasing incidents of mob violence as recently seen in Uttar Pradesh where policemen are killed and enhanced violence in various regions in the name of religion, agricultural distress, etc. pose a significant internal security challenge to India in the longer run.

=> Left & Right Wing Extremism:

The late Chinese Communist Party supremo, Mao Tse Tung, had succinctly observed that “Revolutionary Warfare is never confined within the bounds of military action because its purpose is to destroy an existing society and its institutions and to replace them with a completely new structure.” The LWE threat currently spans nearly 200 districts spread over 16 states with a wide swathe running across the center of the Indian hinterland from the Nepal-Bihar border to the Karnataka and Kerala borders, in a southwest orientation, commonly referred to as “The Red Corridor.”

To rid the nation of LWE, it will be prudent to analyze the reasons for the growth of this distress in India. These are a lack of a clear cut national policy in combating indigenous insurgencies(विद्रोहों), poor intelligence capability at the grassroots level, ill-equipped, under-trained and poorly motivated police and central police organizations. Above all, total neglect of locally significant development programs in the LWE infested areas has contributed to the LWE problems. Even some well-educated youth have been drawn to this movement both on idealism and romantic notions of fighting for “the have-nots” against a cruel, corrupt and insensitive establishment.

One of the major causative factors for the growth of Naxal-Maoism is, that since independence, the fruits of development have not trickled down to the vast marginalized sections of Indian society. The ever-growing disparities among the many layers in our society are seen by the poor as exploitative of their basic rights and such sentiments consequently get the underprivileged to fall into the trap of the Naxal-Maoists.

It is also a well-known fact that some local leaders from different political dispensations maintain regular contacts with these militants, in their constituencies, to reap electoral benefits - something which is indeed shameful. Intelligence reports also indicate that LWE is slowly but surely spreading its tentacles to urban centers and the National Capital Region which has a fair amount of industry, trade unions, etc. Thus unemployed youth in these areas and some industrial workers are being drawn to the LWE ideology - all these developments portend many future problems arising for the Indian state.

    “Naxalism remains the biggest internal security challenge and it is imperative to control Left-wing extremism for the country’s growth”

                                 - Former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh

=> The J&K Impasse

A major security challenge for the Indian establishment - with both distinct external and internal dimensions - is India’s eminently strategic state of J&K. Pakistan’s mischief in this state, continuing to date, resulting in 4 wars with India has shown Pakistan that it cannot wrest J&K by force. Thus it crafted a well-conceived strategy to destabilize India by fomenting terror, fanning separatism within the state, and indulging in regular ceasefire violations along the line of control and the international border.

It must be unequivocally conveyed to Pakistan that J&K is an internal matter for India and the only issue leftover by the baggage of history is the re-integration of POK/Gilgit Baltistan into J&K. India must talk to the Kashmiri ‘Awam' and try to convince them that their future and Sufi lineage is safe within the inclusiveness of the Indian Union and not in a terror and radicalized state like Pakistan. 

=> The North East puzzle

The region, North East India, comprises the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim.

Often dubbed as a “distant frontier”, NE India’s psychological proximity to the parent nation has not diminished as much as it should have since 1947. NE India is the only expanse in South Asia which is geographically and strategically encircled by Nepal, China, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. It is connected to the Indian hinterland by a narrow piece of land, namely the ‘Siliguri Corridor’ in West Bengal. The NE states account for 7.9 percent of the nation’s geographical area but only 3.8 percent of the national population. Close to 70 percent of this population resides in its largest state, Assam and the Brahmaputra Valley while the rest is in the other six states. This region has over 160 scheduled tribes and over 400 other tribal/sub tribal communities and groups with predominantly a rural economy.

It is vital for the Indian state to introspect as to why, even after 60 years of prolonged efforts by New Delhi, conflict resolution has not been successful in this region except in Mizoram. Most NE scholars and security analysts opine that this strategic region suffers from a variety of deficits. These are a basic needs deficit, an infrastructure deficit, a resources deficit, a governance deficit, and, importantly, a deficit of understanding between the region and the rest of the nation.

Economic growth, effective and corrupt-free governance, and the restoration of law and order will go a long way in making India’s NE states grow to their full potential and bringing them fully into the national mainstream. The security forces must ensure that in the conduct of their missions, there is zero-tolerance by them as regards human rights violations. The Indian Army has always taken admirable care in this regard.

> Assam also witnessed upheaval due to the large scale influx of foreigners into the State. An analysis of the data indicates that the law & order situation in Assam remains vitiated due to violent activities of ULFA, NDFB, and United Peoples Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) (anti- talks faction).

> In Meghalaya, the law & order situation in Garo hills continues to be under strain.

> The security scenario in Tripura also remains a matter of concern. However, NLFT (Nyanbasi Group) has signed a ceasefire agreement.

> Nagaland has been the epicenter of armed insurrection in north-eastern India. The sparks later flew to Mizoram, Manipur, and Tripura. In Nagaland, violence between the NSCN (I/M) and NSCN (K) has remained the prominent feature of the current violence profile. NSCM (I/M) signed a ceasefire agreement with the government in August 2015.

> The security scenario in Manipur remains a cause of concern. Manipur has about 15 militant groups operating in the Valley and the Hill districts. Apunba Lup, an umbrella organization of the Meiteis, with the tacit support of Meitei Extremist Organisations, is demanding the withdrawal of the disturbed area status of Manipur under Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act, 1958.

=> Punjab

The situation in Punjab needs to be kept under close watch. Many pro-Khalistani militants continue to enjoy shelter in Pakistan and there are reports of plans to revive terrorism in Punjab. Subversive propaganda is being aired from Pakistani Punjab.

=> Illegal Migrations

One of the biggest problems facing India and having a direct bearing on the country’s economy and security is that of the continuing illegal migration of Bangladeshis into India. In 2000, India with its net migration being 6.3 million persons ranked the sixth among the top ten countries in the world with the largest international migrant population.

Identity threat for the local population, demographic changes, recruitment of migrants by anti-state actors, etc are some of the security issue posed by migrants

=> Drug trafficking 

This two-way illegal movement of narcotics and drugs pose a significant threat to national security as the breach of international borders indicate that arms smuggling and infiltration is equally feasible along with terror financing by the money generated by the illegal sale of narcotics and drugs.

=>Unreformed criminal justice system

The poor criminal justice system and large scale corruption lead to nexus between criminals, police, and politicians with the result that organized crime goes on unabated. The criminal justice system is still in the shape which the British left it in and required changes have not been done. Even the language of the court is such that the person for whom it is meant cannot understand and they get the punishment by the court without understanding the language and meaning of the court. The contents of the code used to be interpreted on a day to day basis in the court of law and every image of interpretation in the court give a new meaning. It would not be out of place to stress that every citizen has the right to know the law applicable to him. Not only is the language of the court required to be simplified, but it should also be made people’s friendly.

=> Cyber driven crimes

With cybercrimes opening up as a new battlefront, India needs to fortify its information networks against malware.

=> Other Threats

There are threats to internal security from certain other factors also. These include:

> Regional aspirations

> Inter-state disputes

> River water sharing issues

> Communal problems

> Caste tensions

> Demand for reservations, etc.

These factors also, from time to time, pose a formidable challenge.

Probable Suggestive Measures

The challenges can, however, be effectively dealt with and contained if we have a proper internal security doctrine, and the same is implemented in letter and spirit irrespective of the sacrifices the nation may have to make in the process.

> Long pending police reforms must be finalized within a time frame. 

> The criminal justice system required to be simplified. Not only is the language of the court required to be simplified, but it should also be made people’s friendly.

> Similarly, to tackle economic offenses, effective coordination is required between regulatory agencies concerned and the Central Economic Intelligence Bureau (CEIB). An effective mechanism of coordination between center and state regarding governance in the field of taxes and other financial aspects is also required.

> The prevention of money laundering is also essential for safeguarding internal security. Given the close nexus between drug trafficking, organized crime, and terrorism, it is also necessary to improve the effectiveness of the Narcotics Control Bureau. 

> There are visible and invisible Maoists sources of finance and channels of procuring weapons that deserve high priority. In the case of Maoists’ action, political statements and counter statements, Centre versus State blame game, accusations of intelligence and security failure, even though relevant, but leading nowhere, should be avoided. It becomes all the more important when it relates to security matters as lack of credibility may lead to the erosion of legitimacy, potentially threatening national stability.

> Few so-called NGOs and think tanks that secretly function very skillfully provide extremists with intellectual and ideological space by projecting them as social revolutionaries. Such organizations and people should be held accountable as they are equally guilty and responsible for hampering the internal security system as the people who take to arms.

> India needs to strengthen its coastal security considerations to protect its vital economic interests in two million square kilometers of the Exclusive Economic Zone. Security enhancement in this vital area has been delayed for a bit too long now.

> The system of periodic official inspections and review of organizational performances.

> Enhance the capacity of the security forces; Sensitization of the police and paramilitary personnel.

> Formation of trained Special Task Forces on the pattern of the Greyhounds in Andhra Pradesh,

> Strengthening local level police stations, adequately staffed by local recruits.

> For effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, multidisciplinary Oversight Committees may be constituted to ensure that its implementation does not adversely affect the local ecosystems.

> Addressing the development deficit by increasing funds for developmental schemes and land reforms initiatives; Break the nexus between illegal mining/forest contractors and extremists which provide financing. To achieve this, special anti-extortion and anti-money laundering cells should be established.

Conclusion:

A nation like India, with its immense diversity, as stated above in the introductory remarks of this article, is virtually a tinder-box waiting to be ignited if certain socio-economic-political imperatives are not fulfilled by either governments or society. Thus Ethno-religious-ideological fault lines, which exist in India, have to be managed with a sense of fairness and balance for all sections of Indian society. Rough-riding the way of life of minorities leads to more alienation and consequently, more security problems for the nation. 

Indian leaders, of all political parties, must never lose sight of this vital cardinal and not only profess but practice inclusiveness and secularism. The Idea of India and its promise must never be sacrificed at the altar of sectarianism(संप्रदायवाद) and for reaping electoral benefits. India’s internal security conflicts, of all shades, demands that.

By any benchmark, India today stands at the cusp of becoming a reckonable global power. Let us not miss India's moment. Let us, embellished by enlightened leadership, synergy amongst all institutions and the people, and propelled by the determined implementation, re-energize the India Story as never before.

Shailendra