India Needs an Internal Security Plan | 19 Jul 2024

Source: IE

Why in News? 

As India solidifies its international position and strengthens its economy, the necessity for a comprehensive internal security plan becomes increasingly apparent. Recent developments highlight the need of addressing internal security challenges to maintain national cohesion and stability.

What is the Need and Way Forward for an Internal Security Plan for India?

• National Security Doctrine (NSD): The country should have a NSD to address internal and external challenges. The National Security Advisory Board has worked on drafts, but they were never approved. 

  • It is important to have a consistent approach to internal security, especially during changes in government.

  • It will guide policy decisions and strategic actions, reducing ad-hoc responses and improving coherence in handling security issues.
• Internal Security Ministry: The Ministry of Home Affairs is too heavy and unwieldy, leading to delayed and inadequate attention to internal security matters. It is time to appoint a young, junior minister to independently handle internal security.
  • According to Article 355 in Constitution of India, the Union is responsible for protecting every State from external aggression and internal disturbance, and for ensuring that each State's government operates in accordance with the Constitution.
• Recent Issues in Jammu and Kashmir: The Home Minister claims terror incidents are down by 66% since the abrogation of Article 370, but recent attacks in Jammu show the situation is far from normal. 

  • The government needs to reorganise the security grid, restore statehood to J&K, and hold elections for the Assembly to address the objectives of the Pakistani deep state.

• Stabilizing the Northeast Region: The Prime Minister has described the Northeast as "a piece of our heart", but the region continues to face challenges. 

  • The 2015 Framework Agreement with the rebel Nagas has not been fully realized due to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Isak-Muivah's (NSCN-IM) demand for a separate flag and constitution. 

  • The government needs to ensure strict implementation of the ceasefire agreement and prevent rebel activities like extortion and forcible recruitment. 

  • Manipur is still struggling with ethnic conflicts and occasional violence, despite the formation of a multi-ethnic peace committee by the Home Ministry.

    • It's time for the Prime Minister to personally address these issues.

  • Additionally, addressing problems like illegal migration, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling would require a comprehensive approach.

• Naxal Problem: The Minister of State for Home Affairs reported in the Rajya Sabha that the "national policy and action plan" has led to a significant decrease in left-wing extremism (LWE) violence and its geographical influence. 

  • Violence and deaths have decreased by 73% since 2010, and the number of police stations reporting LWE-related violence has also decreased. 

  • With Naxals on the backfoot, it is time for the government to offer them a unilateral cease-fire, persuade them to negotiate, address their grievances, and try to integrate them into mainstream society.

  • Strategies to combat Naxalism include security measures, development projects, and welfare initiatives, leading to a decline in related incidents.

• Intelligence and Investigation Agencies: The Intelligence Bureau and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) need restructuring. The IB was set up through an administrative order in 1887. It is high time that it is given a statutory basis to prevent misuse of intelligence for political gain. 

  • The CBI was set up through a resolution in 1963, and it derives the power to investigate from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. 

    • It is an anomalous arrangement and, as recommended in the 24th report of the parliamentary committee, “the need of the hour is to strengthen the CBI in terms of legal mandate, infrastructure and resources”.

• Reforming State Police Forces: Legacy issues from colonial policing models and insufficient focus on community needs.

  • Transform state police from "Ruler's Police" to "People’s Police" to enhance public trust and effectiveness.
  • Adopting best practices from global reforms can modernize and improve policing standards.
• Central Armed Police Forces: The  Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs),  with over a million personnel, face internal issues such as unplanned expansion, haphazard deployment, inadequate training, declining discipline standards, vague criteria for top officer selection, and friction between cadre and All India Service officers. 

  • The government should appoint a high-powered commission to address these problems for long-term solutions.

• Technology: The police in the country can benefit greatly from incorporating technological advancements. Setting up a high-powered technology mission to recommend the latest technologies for addressing current and future challenges is crucial. 

  • By enhancing internal cohesion and addressing security issues, the country can project its strength internationally.

What Measures Has the State Taken to Address Internal Security Challenges?

• Counterterrorism Efforts: Post the 2008 Mumbai attacks, there has been a significant focus on counterterrorism, including the abolition of Article 370 and strategic operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Maritime security, especially coastal security, has seen significant improvements since the Mumbai attacks. Efforts include strengthening coastal security and maritime surveillance, improving the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard, and enhancing interstate coordination.
• Northeast Insurgency Management: Through a combination of development and diplomacy, the government has worked to control insurgency in the Northeast.
• Dealing with Left-Wing Extremism: Enhanced strategies and coordination have improved the handling of Naxalism and related activities. 
  • The CAPFs have been equipped to handle extremism more effectively, resulting in positive outcomes.
• Border Management: Significant resources have been invested in improving border security, including fencing and development in border regions
  • Efforts are made not only to secure borders but also to improve development and connectivity in border regions. Special attention is given to managing borders prone to drug and arms smuggling, particularly with China and Pakistan.
• Institutional Framework Support: Institutions involved in internal security, such as police forces and CAPFs, have received enhanced resources, technology, and training. There is a heightened focus on emerging threats, including cybercrime, preventing atrocities against women, and addressing new-age crimes.

  • The Ministry of Home Affairs, with a budget of nearly Rs 200,000 crore for 2023-24, plays a key role as the nodal agency for internal security, overseeing about one million CAPF personnel and supporting national security efforts through state police forces.

What are the Key Acts and Institutions Involved in Internal Security?

• Legislative Framework: Key acts include the  Code of Criminal Procedure Act(1973), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (1967), National Security Act (1980), Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) (2002) and various other laws aimed at addressing security challenges.
• Institutions and Agencies: 

  • Ministry of Home Affairs: The central agency responsible for internal security, with a substantial budget and numerous departments.

  • National Investigation Agency (NIA): Established under the National Investigation Agency Act of 2008. It is the primary federal agency for investigating terrorism and related crimes in India.

    • Handles cases involving terrorism with cross-state connections, illicit trafficking, and other severe offences.
    • The National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act 2019 expanded its jurisdiction to include human trafficking, counterfeit currency, prohibited arms, explosive substances, and cyber-terrorism.
  • Intelligence Bureau: It was established by the British in the 19th century, the Director of Intelligence Bureau (DIB) is typically the most senior police officer in the country and has direct access to the Minister of Home Affairs, the Prime Minister, and the National Security Advisor.
  • Multi-Agency Centre (MAC): It has been strengthened by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to operate 24x7 for collecting and sharing security-related information. 
  • National Intelligence Grid: NATGRID is an IT platform created to aid security and law enforcement agencies in countering terrorism for national security. 

    • It links various databases such as railways, police, stolen vehicles, immigration, airlines, passports, vehicle ownership, driving licences, PAN data, and more to monitor terror activities and serve national security interests. 

  • Combating Financing of Terrorism(CFT) Cell: The MHA's CFT Cell handles policy matters on combating financing of terrorism and fake Indian currency notes. 

    • States have raised Special Forces, Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) to deal with terrorism incidents, and also Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) & National Security Guards (NSG) have been stationed at various locations to assist the States.

Conclusion

To address internal security challenges effectively, India must adopt a unified National Security Doctrine, streamline its security institutions, and integrate advanced technologies. Strengthening regional stability and modernising law enforcement will ensure a comprehensive and adaptive response to emerging threats. Enhanced coordination and strategic planning are essential for a secure and resilient nation.

Read More: Office of NSA & India’s National Security Framework