Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Begin by introducing the context of internal security challenges in India. Briefly mention the diverse nature of these challenges.
• Explain Key Internal Security Challenges for India and discuss the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies.
• Conclude by highlighting the significance of a well-coordinated effort involving intelligence and investigative agencies.

Introduction

A sovereign nation's foremost responsibility is the safety of its citizens from external as well as internal challenges. Since independence, India has tackled various internal security challenges including insurgency, militancy, and externally induced rebellions.

Body

Internal security challenges for India

• Separatist Movements: Separatist feelings have been present ever since the birth of our nation and still continue to be a cause of misery for law and order. For example, Nagaland separatism, Kashmiri separatism etc.
• Communalism: The contentions between the two major religious groups have often led to brewing of hatred and fights. This further fuels separatist tendencies. Hate among groups makes our citizens easy targets to be motivated for terrorist activities.
• Illegal Migration: Over the years, illegal migration has led to a lot of associated problems such as demographic change and increased unemployment thereby straining the nation’s resources.
• Left-Wing Extremism: It is noticed in the central and eastern parts of India and is marked by Marxism or Maoism as its political ideology. Socio-economic disparities and land alienation are the factors responsible for its emergence.

Various intelligence and investigative agencies work in India with different mandates of performing actions.

• National Investigation Agency (NIA): It is the premier counter-terrorism law enforcement agency of India, investigating offences that affect the sovereignty, security and integrity of India.
• Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): It is the apex body to coordinate between various narcotics and drug law enforcement agencies. It works to prevent drug trafficking across India.
• Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI): This is the body dealing with intelligence of smuggling of contrabands and investigating cases related to it. It also looks to prevent proliferation of black money and money laundering.
• Intelligence Bureau (IB): It is the apex intelligence body responsible for collecting information within the country and executing counter-terrorism operations. It deals with matters of domestic intelligence and internal security.
• Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW): It took the operations of handling foreign intelligence from Intelligence Bureau. It now collects foreign intelligence, conducts counter-terrorism operations and advises Indian policymakers.
• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): It is the premier investigating police agency made on the recommendation of the Santhanam Committee. It carries out investigations and also acts as the point of access for Interpol.

Conclusion

Collaboration and coordination among agencies are vital to address India's internal security challenges. Investing in technology, international cooperation, and community engagement is essential for a robust framework against security threats.