Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Start your answer by briefly discussing the causes of internal security in India.
• Discuss various measures taken by the government to address internal security challenges.
• Conclude by providing innovative and practical measures in way forward.

Introduction

• India is one of the largest and most diverse democracies in the world, with a population of about 1.5 billion people belonging to various ethnic, religious, and linguistic groups.
• Despite its democratic credentials, India has been facing several internal security challenges for several decades, ranging from Naxalism to terrorism and insurgency.

Body

• Root Causes of Internal Security Challenges in India:
  • The internal security challenges faced by India have their roots in various socio-economic, political, and historical factors, including poverty, inequality, religious and cultural differences, and political instability.
  • These factors have contributed to the growth and sustenance of various extremist and militant groups, such as the Naxalites, Islamic fundamentalists, and secessionist groups. The following are some of the major root causes of these challenges:
    • Poverty and Inequality:
      • Poverty and inequality are major drivers of internal security challenges in India. The country has one of the highest poverty rates in the world, with a large proportion of the population living below the poverty line.
        • This has created a sense of hopelessness and desperation among the people, leading to the rise of extremist and militant groups that promise to address their grievances.
    • Religious and Cultural Differences:
      • India is a diverse country with a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-cultural society.
        • However, this diversity has also led to tensions and conflicts between different communities.
        • This has provided fertile ground for the growth of extremist and militant groups that exploit these fault lines for their own purposes.
    • Political Instability:
      • India has a long history of political instability, with frequent changes in government and coalition politics.
        • This has led to a lack of continuity in policies and programs, which has undermined the country's stability and security.
          • Moreover, the political system is often perceived as corrupt and inefficient, which has eroded people's trust in the government.
• Measures Taken by the Government to Address Internal Security Challenges:
  • Naxalism:
    • The government has implemented various measures to tackle this challenge, including the deployment of security forces, socio-economic development programs, and political negotiations.
      • The government launched the Integrated Action Plan (IAP) in 2010 to address the socio-economic grievances of the people in the Naxal-affected areas.
        • The IAP focuses on providing basic amenities, such as roads, electricity, and water supply, to the people in these areas.
      • The government has also initiated several schemes to improve the livelihoods of the people, such as the National Rural Livelihood Mission and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
  • Terrorism:
    • Terrorism is another major internal security challenge facing India, particularly in the form of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.
      • The government has sought to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and has put pressure on it to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure operating from its soil. India has also strengthened its border security by fencing the border and deploying more troops.
      • The government has also carried out targeted military operations against terrorist groups operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Insurgency:
    • Insurgency is another internal security challenge facing India, particularly in the Northeastern states and Jammu and Kashmir.
      • The government has taken several measures to address this challenge, including political negotiations and socio-economic development programs.
      • The government has initiated several schemes to improve the socio-economic conditions of the people in the Northeastern states, such as the Northeastern Council and the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region.

Conclusion

• India is facing several internal security challenges that threaten its stability, security, and development. The Indian government has implemented various measures to address these challenges, here are some practical measures that can be taken:
  • For Naxalism:
    • Involve civil society and local communities in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
    • Strengthen local governance and decentralize decision-making and resource allocation.
  • For Terrorism:
    • Enhance cyber security and resilience to prevent cyberattacks and data breaches.
    • Foster regional and global cooperation to combat cross-border terrorism.
  • For Insurgency:
    • Implement confidence-building measures and dialogue with all stakeholders to address grievances and aspirations.
    • Promote cultural diversity and pluralism.