Mains Marathon 2024

Approach Give a brief introduction about Terrorism in India Mention issues in India’s internal security framework Suggest measures to strengthen its internal security framework Conclude suitably

Introduction

According to the Global Terrorism Index 2024, India saw a decline in terrorism-related deaths and improved its ranking to 14th globally, reflecting its ongoing efforts to combat terrorism. However, the shift in terrorist tactics, including increased attacks on civilians and the use of drones, underscores the need for India to further strengthen its internal security framework to address these evolving threats effectively.

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Challenges to India's Internal Security

• Terrorism and Cross-Border Infiltration: India faces persistent threats from terrorism, particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, and from cross-border infiltrations. High-profile attacks, such as the 2008 Mumbai attacks, highlight the ongoing threat posed by various terrorist groups, including those motivated by separatist and religious extremism.
• Cybersecurity Threats: The rise of cybercrime is a significant challenge, with India becoming increasingly vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Incidents like the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack demonstrate the threat posed by hackers, cybercriminals, and state-sponsored groups.
• Insurgency and Separatist Movements: India has long dealt with insurgencies in regions like the North East and Central India, as well as the Naxalite movement. These insurgencies, driven by ethnic, religious, and ideological factors, continue to destabilize affected areas.
• Border Security and Illegal Immigration: India's extensive and porous borders with countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar contribute to challenges in border security, including the smuggling of weapons, drugs, and illegal immigration. This illegal movement exacerbates security concerns and strains resources.
• Emerging Threats: New challenges include the rise of social media, dark net activities, and the use of cryptocurrencies, which facilitate organized crime, disinformation campaigns, and other illegal activities. Additionally, instability in neighboring countries like Afghanistan and Myanmar further complicates India's internal security landscape.
  • Aerial terrorism, involving the use of aircraft and UAVs as guided missiles, poses a significant threat to key locations and infrastructure, necessitating mechanisms to assess and pre-empt such unconventional terror acts.
  • The Border Security Force has intercepted 125 drones in 2024 along Punjab's border with Pakistan, marking a notable rise from 22 drones intercepted in 2022 and 107 in 2023.

Strengthening India's Internal Security Framework

• Enhanced Intelligence and Surveillance: Strengthening intelligence capabilities is vital for preventing terrorist activities.
  • Improved coordination among central and state agencies, coupled with advanced surveillance technologies like AI, drones, and big data analytics, can boost monitoring and response.
    • For example, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has been instrumental in combating cyber threats, highlighting the need for continued technological advancements.
• Modernization of Security Forces: Regular capacity-building programs and modernizing security forces with advanced weaponry and counter-terrorism expertise are essential.
  • The establishment of specialized units and the adoption of cybersecurity measures are crucial, especially given the increasing reliance on digital platforms.
  • The government's multi-pronged approach to Left-Wing Extremism, combining security, development, and rights-based strategies, showcases the importance of a well-rounded response.
• Legislative Reforms and Policy Framework: Updating anti-terror laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to address emerging threats is necessary.
  • The establishment of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in 2011 has improved coordination among agencies, but further reforms are needed to balance national security with individual rights and prevent misuse of such laws.
• Improved Counterterrorism Coordination: Enhanced coordination between national and state security agencies is critical.
  • The recommendation to establish a separate Ministry of Internal Security (MoIS) and a fully operational NCTC would ensure a more focused and unified approach to counterterrorism efforts.
    • The government emphasized the need to reform the National Security Council for real-time intelligence dissemination, highlighting the ongoing need for improved coordination.
• Capacity Building in Police Forces: The scarcity of trained police personnel impacts the effectiveness of first responders in internal security crises.
  • Improved training programs, addressing the shortage of cyber specialists, and ensuring that police forces have modern equipment are essential.
    • The proposed expansion of state police forces to 220 officers per 100,000 population underscores the need for a stronger grassroots security presence.
• Comprehensive Approach to Regional Challenges: Addressing insurgencies, cross-border terrorism, and illegal migration requires a multi-faceted strategy.
  • The government's efforts in Jammu & Kashmir, despite claims of reduced terror incidents, highlight the need for continued vigilance.
  • Additionally, dealing with illegal migration and drug trafficking in regions like the North East necessitates a comprehensive approach involving better intelligence, international cooperation, and regional development initiatives.

Conclusion

India's evolving internal security challenges demand a proactive and adaptive approach, integrating advanced technology, legislative reforms, and robust international cooperation. By modernizing security forces and enhancing intelligence coordination, India can effectively counter emerging threats, ensuring long-term stability and resilience in the face of both traditional and new-age security concerns.