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UPSC GS Paper – 3: Q19. What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats.

Gaurav Soni September 30, 2023 04:52 6985 0

Daily Answer Writing DAILY UPSC ANSWER WRITTING 2023 General Studies-III

Examine India's internal security challenges and the role of central intelligence and investigative agencies. Insights for UPSC GS Paper 3

UPSC GS Paper – 3: Q19. What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats.

Q19. What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats.

How to approach the question

Introduction

●      Write about importance of internal security briefly

Body

●      Write the internal security challenges being faced by India

●      Write the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats

●      Write suitable way ahead in this regard

Conclusion

●      Give appropriate conclusion in this regard

Introduction

Internal security is the act of keeping peace within the borders of a sovereign state or other self-governing territories, generally by upholding the national law and it is the linchpin that holds the societal fabric together, ensuring stability and prosperity. NIA registered more than 72 cases in 2022 that shows growing issue of internal security.  In India, a variety of challenges have emerged that threaten this critical aspect of national well-being.

Body

Internal Security Challenges in India:

  • Terrorism: The 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008, orchestrated by the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba, resulted in 166 deaths and severe property damage. It brought to light the vulnerabilities in India’s internal security measures and the need for a fortified counter-terrorism strategy.
  • Naxalism: The Naxalite insurgency, most rampant in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha, poses a significant challenge. Notable incidents like the Dantewada ambush in 2010, where 76 CRPF personnel were killed, expose the fragile security environment in the affected states.
  • Cyber Crime: India saw a spike in cyber threats during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting both the public and private sectors. The WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 was a global event but also affected multiple states in India.
  • Ethnic Tensions: Ethnic conflict in Assam, particularly between Bodos and Bengali-speaking Muslims, has resulted in periods of violence and mass displacement. These disturbances highlight the complex social fabric of the Northeast and the need for inclusive policies.
  • Drug Trafficking: The opioid crisis in Punjab is not only a health issue but also a social and economic one. The widespread abuse of drugs, especially among the youth, affects productivity, leading to long-term societal consequences like increased crime rates.
  • Human Trafficking: Places like the red-light district in Kolkata’s Sonagachi bear witness to the extent of human trafficking in India. Many of these victims are women and children who are subjected to severe exploitation. In 2022 over 6,622 trafficking victims were reported to have been identified.
  • Border Issues: Challenges like infiltration across the Line of Control in the J&K and the porous Indo-Bangladesh border are continuous concerns. The 2016 Uri attack, for example, was executed by militants who had crossed the border, adding another layer to internal security threats.

Role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies:

  • Data Collection: For instance, it was RAW that reportedly provided actionable intelligence about movements along the Line of Control prior to the Kargil conflict, thereby averting a more significant crisis.
  • Analysis: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been instrumental in analysing complex data to dismantle terrorist networks. Their investigation into the 2008 Malegaon blasts not only led to arrests but also disrupted financial networks supporting terrorism.
  • Coordination: Agencies like the Intelligence Bureau (IB) are vital for orchestrating a coordinated effort among state and central security agencies. Eg: managing the intelligence and operations during the 2019 Pulwama attack.
  • Special Operations: Elite units like the National Security Guard (NSG) are exclusively trained for high-risk operations. They showcased their operational effectiveness during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, where they were airlifted on short notice to neutralize the threat.
  • Cross-Border Operations: RAW’s engagement with intelligence agencies from other countries helps India to secure its interests beyond borders. It was reportedly instrumental in diplomatic negotiations that led to the capture of key aides of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim in the UAE.
  • Training: The training regimen offered by agencies like the Border Security Force (BSF) focuses on creating a versatile force capable of handling various terrains and scenarios. During the Doklam standoff, this specialized mountain warfare training became especially significant.
  • Policy Inputs: Intelligence agencies contribute to policy formulation by providing informed perspectives on national security. After the Uri attack in 2016, input from these agencies was crucial in deciding to carry out surgical strikes against terrorist launch pads in Pakistan.
  • Public Awareness: The Cyber Crime Coordination Centre and similar bodies regularly release advisories, thereby contributing to public education. They focus on various threats like phishing scams and ransomware, thus arming the public with the knowledge to protect themselves.

Way Ahead

  • Community Policing: A system akin to the U.K.’s “Neighbourhood Watch” could be initiated, wherein community members are trained to identify and report suspicious activities. Mobile apps can facilitate real-time reporting and create a virtual community of informants.
  • Skill Upgradation: The Indian security forces can undergo periodic training in modern forensic and cybernetic investigative techniques. Virtual training modules could be developed in collaboration with global security organizations to simulate real-world threat scenarios.
  • Transparency: Independent oversight boards can be established for each intelligence and investigative agency to ensure accountability. These boards can publish annual “transparency reports” that detail the operations and effectiveness of each agency without compromising national security.
  • Tech Integration: Utilizing Artificial Intelligence and Big Data analytics can revolutionize predictive policing. They can be used to identify crime hotspots, monitor social media chatter for early detection of radicalization, and even predict the likely targets of terrorist attacks.
  • International Cooperation: Bilateral agreements can be established with intelligence agencies worldwide ensuring information exchange & technological and logistical support. Multi-country task forces could be formed for dealing with threats that have cross-border implications.
  • Financial Oversight: Specialized financial oversight units like the U.S.’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) can be set up to monitor large-scale economic crimes. These units could use blockchain technology to track international money transfers related to illegal activities.
  • Psychological Operations: Social media platforms can be used for counter-radicalization campaigns. Tailored content, possibly using machine learning algorithms, can identify and engage at-risk individuals, offering counter-narratives to extremist ideologies.
  • Continuous Review: Establish an annual or biennial “National Security Summit” that involves top experts from various fields. They can assess the efficacy of current counter-terrorism and security measures and offer recommendations for future strategies.

Conclusion

Internal security is a multifaceted challenge that needs a cohesive and coordinated effort from both state and central agencies. By adopting these innovative suggestions, India can establish secure, transparent, and efficient security infrastructure capable of countering the multifaceted challenges that the country faces.

 

 

For a Detailed explanation of the UPSC GS-01 Mains question 2023, click here.

For a Detailed explanation of the UPSC GS-02 Mains question 2023, click here.

For a Detailed explanation of the UPSC GS-03 Mains question 2023, click here.

For a Detailed explanation of the UPSC GS-04 Mains question 2023, click here.

 

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