Elucidate different internal security obstacles faced by the nation and delineate measures that can enhance the internal security scenario, considering that the safeguarding of internal security is a joint obligation of the government and the citizens. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-3: Internal Security Challenges]

Internal security implies maintaining peace, law and order, and protecting the sovereignty, integrity and unity of the country from various internal threats.

The internal security challenges faced by India can be summarized as follows:

• Naxal-Maoist Left Wing Extremism (LWE): The Naxal movement, fueled by poor developmental indicators, rural poverty, and Marxist/Maoist ideology, poses a significant threat in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, etc.
• Militancy in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K): The presence of militancy in J&K, aided by Pakistan’s proxy war, is a combination of cross-border terrorism, radicalization, and alienation. The recent US withdrawal from Afghanistan has further increased the security risk.
• Cross-border challenges:
  • India-China: Infiltration by Chinese armed personnel poses a threat to India’s sovereignty and integrity, as witnessed in incidents like the transgression in Galwan Valley/Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Indo-Nepal border: Challenges include cartographic aggression in Kalapani, circulation of fake currency notes, and organized syndicate activities.
  • India-Bangladesh: Issues such as illegal migration of refugees, cattle smuggling, and trafficking of drugs, humans, and arms.
  • India-Myanmar: Threats include small arms trade, drug trafficking, and movement of insurgents across porous borders.
  • India-Sri Lanka: Challenges arise from the fisherman issue and racial strife between ethnic Tamils and Sinhalese, which impact India’s internal security.
• India’s long coastline makes it vulnerable to piracy, terror attacks, and illegal trade.
• Insurgency/Secessionist movements:
  • Factors such as race, language, culture, state boundaries, and infiltration of refugees from Bangladesh and Myanmar have fueled insurgency in the North-East, exemplified by the demand for Nagalim by NSCN(K).
  • The Khalistan movement continues to pose a threat to India’s internal security, with groups like Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) involved.
  • Drugs and narcotics trafficking: India’s geographical position between the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan) in the North West and the Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos) in the East makes it susceptible to drug trafficking.

• Other major challenges include:
• • Communalization and radicalization of society, exemplified by recent incidents like the killing in Udaipur.
  • The role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in spreading disinformation, which poses a threat to national unity.
  • Increasing cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure such as the electricity grid and nuclear installations.

To minimize these internal security challenges, the following steps can be taken:

• Enhancing developmental initiatives and addressing alienation and hardcore insurgents through a comprehensive approach like SAMADHAN. Special central assistance for LWE-affected areas and the implementation of PESA (Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act) can be beneficial.
• Seeking political solutions to the refugee crisis in the North-East and fostering dialogue for a more stable region, as exemplified by the ongoing Naga peace talks.
• Implementing measures to tackle border threats, including:
• Technology-enabled border surveillance, Border Area Development Programme (BADP), and Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS).
• Strengthening coastal border security with the involvement of marine police, Coast Guard, and Navy.

Strengthening cybersecurity measures:

• Government initiatives such as CERT-In, National Cyber Co-ordination Centre, Cyber Swachhta Kendra, Cyber Warrior Police Force, and the IT Act 2000.
• Promoting ethical hacking and organizing hackathons to mitigate cyber threats.
• Effective regulation of social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news.
• Promoting social harmony through education, awareness, and cultural exchanges. Initiatives like leveraging zonal councils and programs like “Nai disha nai manzil” and “Ek Bharat Sreshtha Bharat” can play a crucial role.
• Encouraging federal cooperation in tackling security risks, enhancing the capacity and capability of security forces, and strengthening intelligence mechanisms to ensure a stable internal security environment.

Conclusion:

The internal security of the country is vital for its overall growth, and it requires joint efforts from both citizens and governments to achieve a secure and prosperous nation.