PAPER IV -GENERAl STUDIES- III
TOPIC: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
India was partitioned in the backdrop of large communal riots.Since independence the internal stability is sporadically disturbed which is contributed by many factors. Indias internal security is manifestation of internal weakness and external attempts.
State actor can be defined as person/persons or entity who is acting on behalf of state. They are acting on behalf of government. These are appointed directly by state who represent on international platform.
Non-state actors are the entities that are not part of established government of the state. They are not directly employed by the state but have independent ideological existence or some times backed by state. They exercise sufficient power to bring about change in international relation of two or more state. Non-state actor act as proxy element generally employed by state. In case of unlawful activities or violation of international agreement they provide a degree of deniability to state. E.g:-
-NGO considered part of civil society in case of opposition at jaitapur project BY US NGO,
- MNC companies financial fraud in dumping to create instability in economics
-Armed group, Ethnic religious,State funded cyber attacksetc.
CONSTITUIONAL PROVISION FOR SAFEGAURDING INTERNAL SECURITY:
The seventh schedule of Indian constitution contains public order and police as state subject. Article 355 of the Constitution enjoins the Union to protect every State against external
aggression and internal disturbance and to ensure that the Government of every State is carried on in accordance with the provisions of theConstitution.The responsibility of the internal security mainly rest with the union ministry of home affairs.Union government can issue directions to the state under Articles 257-258. Action for non-compliance of the directions from the Union government can be taken under Article 365. A state government can be dismissed under Article 356, if a situation arises in which the administration of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. A national emergency can be declared under Article 352.
INTERNAL SECURITY CHALLENGES:
If we divide the internal security challenges into following main groups, to include, Jammu and Kashmir, Northeast India, Left Wing Extremism and Terrorism in the Hinterland, creating public disorder and law and order problems through communal and secessionist tendency. Some of these challenges are direct manifestation of state across the border.The close linkages of the ISI and such groups are well documented as is their direct involvement in attacks like 26/11. These groups aim to not only create instability in states like J&K, they also have a larger aim of destabilising the country. This is done through sporadic terrorist strikes, which spreads terror and panic. This could also adversely affect the ability of the Indian state to pursue economic modernisation. The flooding of the country with counterfeits is also a way of weakening the economy.
South Asia comprises of seven independent states, with over one sixth of world's population and numerous ethnic, religious and linguistic groups is the theatre of ethnic and religions violence which is transnational in its nature and implications. The ethnic, religious and linguistic overlap has not only affected internal political developments in each state but also inter-state relationships.
The boundaries between neighbours are not natural both geographically and ethnically; therefore social tensions are bound to have a transborder impact. Traditional linkages of friendship and inter- action amongst people have become competing arrangements for aiding and abetting subversion, terrorism and insurgencies.
The regional geopolitical environment is likely to remain disturbed, which in conjunction with structural political and security confrontations within South Asia will continue to influence our internal security. Social tensions particularly in the ethnic and religious field due to its transborder character will continue to be the main areas of exploitation by our adversaries. Muslim fundamentalism and demographic influx are its major manifestations.
INDIA-PAKISTAN AND JAMMU KASHMIR INTERNAL SECURITY CHALLENEGES:-
Indias open democratic system, judiciary and sociopolitical setting provides hostile agencies wide ranging opportunities to exploit contentious political issues and local tensions. . Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HUM), Lashker-e-Toiba (LET) and Jammu and Kashmir Islamic Front ()have expanded their operations to Delhi, Maharashtra,Gujarat, U.P., Haryana and Punjab. ISI(state actors) agents have also cultivated transborder operators and couriers for smuggling of arms and explosives via Punjab, J & K, Rajasthan and Gujarat. It has also established espionage networks in different parts of the country. After Punjab and J&K, it has now intensified its activities in the North East exploiting local insurgencies.
ISI is increasingly targeting the minority community in the Southern states to subvert their loyalty, while Karnataka and Kerala have become prone to smuggling, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have been targetted for subversion.
The State of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) facing challenges:
-affected by terrorist and secessionist
-violence, sponsored and supported from across
-penetrable border security
-discourage youth from joining the militancy group .
INDIA NEPAL BANGLADESH CREATING INTERNAL SECURITY CHALLENGES :-
Indo Nepal and Indo Bangladesh borders is a design contrived by ISI with the help of sympathetic elements in Bangladesh to step up subversive activities in the North East. The muslim pockets have become the breeding ground for mafia, smugglers, gun running, hawala transactions. narco-trafficking, influx of fake Indian currency and terrorist activities
There is direct link between drug trafficking and terrorism. The Golden Crescent is a major source of heroine and hashish for the West, which is smuggled through the Indo-Pak border. The ISI has been using these established channels for smuggling of arms and explosives, which has provided terrorism greater teeth. In an interview to Washington Post (12 September 1994) Nawaz Sharif mentioned ISI plans to use drug money to support militancy.
The Golden triangle produces over 1000 tons of opium which is refined into very high grade heroin. Very little of it is seized in the North East due to ineffective surveillance and enforcement. A clear indicator of the likely illegal narcotic trade in the NorthEast is the high incidence of drug addition and abuse in Manipur, Mizoram, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Similarly, open Indo-Nepal border is the main source of Hashish.
Money is then pushed through banking channels by way of gifts, donations and trade accounts. This also helps in tax evasion and is well manipulated by professional facilitators like chartered accountants, auditors, lawyers and traders. Since bulk of service sector (almost 50% of GNP) is prone to tax evasion, it facilitates laundering of black money.
INDIA CHINA AND CHALLENGES IN NORTH EAST:-
China is an important factor in Indias security perceptions and tempers its relationship with some of its neighbours. Chinese interests in the region have to be viewed in the long term perspective. After eliminating the historical and strategic buffer between India and China by annexation of Tibet, the Chinese resorted to giving financial aid, arms and sanctuaries to Naga, Mizo and Meitei extremists. This was followed by military encroachments culminating in the conflict in 1962.
China has shrewdly followed a policy of strategic containment of India by regional alliances and arming Indias neighboursMynamar, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Similarly, Indias technological and military mordernisation has been effectively counted by technological and weapons transfers to Pakistan in the nuclear and missile fields.
The geo-strategic importance of the North-East is not sufficiently appreciated even in the security establishment. All the states in the North-East share an international border with other countries and the seven North-Eastern states are linked to the rest of the country only by a narrow strip of land.
The lack of physical, cultural and emotional links has encouraged a feeling of alienation, which is being exploited by the nottoo- friendly neighbours to pursue their own agenda. They are giving support and sanctuaries to many of these groups to use them as leverage against a much bigger and more powerful neighbor.
The roots of these many insurgencies in the North-East lie deep in its history and its geography. But, it would be wrong to treat it as one homogeneous region with common problems, or social systems and customs. Even physiographic ally, the region can be divided into three broad areas hills, plateaus, and plains. The many ethnic groups, speaking many different languages and dialects, who inhabit this remote part of the country consider themselves as separate people with little in common with the people in the rest of the country. The lack of physical, cultural and emotional links has encouraged this feeling of separation.
The terrain in this region is eminently suitable for insurgency. The hilly terrain and dense forests provide convenient hiding places to mount ambushes on the moving convoys of the security forces. Large parts of the interior areas have little or no police presence.
After attacking the security force they can easily disappear into the local population. Because of deprivation and alienation, a large section of the people tend to be sympathetic to the members of these groups. It is the alienation of the people that has sustained insurgency all these years, though logistic support and sanctuaries provided by the neighbouring states play a vital role in sustaining them.
LEFT WING EXTREMISIM:-
Although vestiges of Left Wing Extremist (LWE) Insurgency have been prevalent in certain
parts of India for a few decades now, the problem assumed serious proportions during the last decade or so. In terms of geographical spread, the worst affected States are Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Bihar. The LWE problem also exists in certain pockets in the States of Maharashtra, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Challenges created due to LWE
-Hindrances to development son inclusive regional growth cannot be achieved.
-Deployment of large security personal I these area. Large expenditure on arms, security personnal,large recruitment needed as shortage of personal, insurance schemes as human forces are reluctant to work, in situation of combat loss of priceless life.
-As CPI(M) is getting latest technicalities from across border they are modernizing themselves with new weapons, landmines and other equipment.
-The LWE groups are provided with arms, ammunition and sanctuaries across the border. These make border management serious task often penetrable areas are made safe zone to infiltrate.
-These activities are being funded through state entities.
CONCLUSION:-
Our security is vulnerable to threats, tensions and conflicts originating both from indigenous and exogenous sources. The internal security problems should not be treated as merely law and order problems. They have to be dealt with comprehensively in all their dimensions and at all levels political, economic and social. They are all interlinked. At times, the required measures will conflict with each other.
NAME: SUMEET WAGH
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Website of ministry of home affairs.
2. Idsa.
3. C Raja mohan report and net digging.
Showing posts with label LWE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LWE. Show all posts
Monday, January 13, 2014
Indias internal security challenges
In the Arthashastra, Kautilya wrote that a state could be at risk from four types of threats - internal, external, externally-aided internal and internally-aided external. He advised that of these four types, internal threats should be taken care of immediately, for internal troubles, like the fear of the lurking snake, are far more serious than external threats. The most dangerous enemy is the enemy within.
Kautilyas teachings on internal security and his skilful expression of the warp and weft of internal and external security has great relevance in the globalised 21st century. Destabilising a country through internal disturbances is more economical and less objectionable, particularly when direct warfare is not an option and international borders cannot be violated. External adversaries, particularly the weaker ones, find it easier to create and aid forces which cause internal unrest and instability.
Itis very surprising to note that the country which freed itself from the clutches of its colonial masters by following the path of ahimsa is now every other day making headlines for violent fiery rage of its countrymen. India is hindered from its progressive path by various challenges that is threatening its internal security. Naxalism/ Maoist insurgency, secessionist tendencies, communalism, ethnic clashes, religious intolerance, misogynist attitudes etc are some of them.
Naxalism
Naxalism is today Indias most serious threat to itself. It has affected nearly 9 states: Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and west Bengal encompassing the eastern region of the country from north to south, commonly called as the red corridor. Left wing extremism was prevalent decades ago since 1960s and 70s. Sheer neglect and ignorance led to compounding of the problem making it the biggest concern for development.
In 2004, peoples war group(PWG) then operating in Andhra Pradesh and Maoist communist centre of India(MCCI) then operating in Bihar and adjoining areas combined to form the CPI(M)- Communist Party of India(Maoist). This amalgamation strengthened their ideologies to their advantage. CPI (M) is the major left wing extremist outfit responsible for majority of the violent incident and killing of civilians and security forces and has been included in the schedule of terrorist organisations under the unlawful activities (prevention) act, 1967.
The LWE signifies the fact that the country is at war with itself. The extremists philosophy of armed struggle to overthrow the state government is against the principles of parliamentary democracy. The LWE are sceptical of the capitalist initiatives, having lost faith in the governmental set up, root for the rule of the proletariat class. Government has called them to end violence and come for peace talks. However this plea was rejected as they believe in violence to achieve their objectives. This has resulted in bloodshed and terroristic activities in many parts of the country. The innocent village men, security forces and tribal people are facing the brunt of such bloodshed.
The extremists (agitating people) are people who have lost their homes, forests, fodder, lands, frustrated unemployed people, devoid of the fruits of development. They have lost their means of livelihood due to land acquisition, alienation, and monopolistic policy decisions of the state. Economic disparity has been the main cause for the rise of extremism rather than the ideological basis. Their exploitation has been further severed by the lackadaisical attitudes of the bureaucrats, inefficient administrative setup, lack of delivery mechanisms and grievance redressal measures. However any displeasure cannot be justified with violence and killings.
Government has initiated various measures to tackle such insurgencies such as creation of specially trained police forces like grey hounds, CoBRA etc, fortification of all the police stations in the affected LWE districts, modern armouries and specialised training to improve the defence capabilities of security forces.
Most of the LWE affected districts are backward and poor on various human development indicators. Realising this importance, government has also started social welfare programmes like Integrated action plan (IAP), special infrastructure scheme (SIS), Security related expenditure (SRE) scheme, Backward regions grant fund (BRGF) etc.. Such schemes are aimed at altering the critical infrastructure gaps and provide the necessities for construction of School Buildings, Anganwadi Centres, Drinking Water Facilities, Rural Roads, Panchayats Bhawans, PDS shops, skill trainings, Minor Irrigation Works, Electric Lighting, Health Centres, construction of Toilets, construction of passenger waiting hall, construction of ANM Centres, development of play grounds etc.
Secessionists interests
In addition, there are many secessionist interests and the so called revolutionary movements operating in the country today. Their goal could be to overthrow the government and bring about revolutionary changes in the structure and functioning of the state, or even secession from the Indian Union. Ever since independence, India has been facing all types of violent conflicts based on religion, caste, language, ethnicity and regional loyalties. Political insecurity further compounds the problem.
The Naga leadership under Z.A. Phizo had challenged their integration into the Indian Union even before India became independent in 1947. The Naga insurgency started way back in the early 1950s. Since then the insurgencies in this region have multiplied and spread to many new areas. Some seek secession from the Indian Union, some others seek separate states and yet others greater autonomy within the existing state.
The number of such insurgent groups could reach three-digit figures. In Manipur alone, more than twenty-five groups are operating. In Assam, the demands for bodoland have shunned the economic life of the region and have led to the creation of many militant groups like ULFA. Thousands have died in the insurgency-related violence.
Preoccupied with the problem of survival, the state governments in some of the most affected states are not looking at the problem from a long-term perspective. They have bought temporary peace by compromising with the subversive forces. Such short-sighted policies can have disastrous consequences in the long run. It is not surprising that in some parts of the state, the local men and police forces have joined hands with the subversive.
Finding themselves at the mercy of these subversive forces, the people tend to change sides and start supporting them instead of supporting the security forces. It would be wrong to assume that all those supporting, directly or indirectly, these forces are sympathetic to their ideology. Far from it! For most of them, preoccupied with the daily battle of survival, this is the obvious choice, because the police are unable to protect them.
The whole developmental process is seriously hampered because of this unending violence. The geo-strategic importance of the North-East is not sufficiently appreciated even in the security establishment. All the states in the North-East share an international border with other countries and the seven North-Eastern states are linked to the rest of the country only by a narrow strip of land. The lack of physical, cultural and emotional links has encouraged a feeling of alienation, which is being exploited by the anti national elements to pursue their own agenda.
The roots of these many insurgencies in the North-East lie deep in its history and its geography. The many ethnic groups, speaking many different languages and dialects, who inhabit this remote part of the country consider themselves as separate people with little in common with the people in the rest of the country. The lack of physical, cultural and emotional links has encouraged this feeling of separation.
The politician-police-criminal nexus has further emboldened the criminal elements. This creates a situation of lawlessness, where the rich and powerful violate the law with impunity. The police system is not the only department that is suffering but the entire justice system is strained. Not all cases are registered, and if registered there are not properly investigated, out of those very few are charge sheeted resulting in almost very low levels of conviction rates. In some north eastern state, the police have stopped submitting charge sheets in insurgency related cases.
When the fear of legal punishment disappears, organised crime makes its way. Money power, extortion and the so called protection money become more widespread. Many of the insurgent and militant groups are not driven by ideology, but by sheer greed. Money power is a bigger motivating factor than ideology. This mutually beneficial relationship has seriously damaged the quality of governance in the interior areas.
The real losers are the people. The development process gets seriously hampered in a violent environment. The deprived and the marginalised sections of the society, unable to survive in the present system, get alienated. The militant and extremist forces thrive in this environment. The rise of Left extremism and insurgents is more due to these compulsions than on ideological grounds.
Communal tensions
The rise of armed senas based on ethnic and caste lines in some parts of the country has led to the polarisation of the society. Loss of public confidence on the state and police to protect life and property has further strengthened their interests. Their attacks on religious lines have created a sense of insecurity among the people. Far from controlling them, some partisan political groups and police have encouraged their development.
Political high lords have always utilised the minority groups as vote banks, playing the communal card to their advantage, supporting their cause and cry, every time the elections makes it to the corner. This utilisation of the citizenry by dividing them on the communal basis is not new. The legacy of the British has still not left the country. Polarisation on caste and religious lines can further reduce the credibility of the democracy in the minds of the people.
Ethnic, communal, linguistic and sectarian clashes have shadowed the basic principle of common brotherhood enshrined in our constitution. The principle of vasudaiva kutumbam( the world is our family) has remained always in books and papers. The lack of faith and trust among fellow citizens has led to their exploitation by various section of society for personal greed and aggrandizement.
The rise of fundamentalist forces is posing the most serious threat to Indias security. Fired with religious zeal these forces have created an entirely new situation. These bands of fanatics are not only indulging in subversive activities, but are spreading the virus of fundamentalism. The break-up of the Indian Union continues to be their main goal. Easy availability of deadly weapons with the subversive groups operating in India has created new dangers for Indias security.
Other forms of violence
With the Golden Crescent, and the Golden Triangle in Indias neighbourhood, drug trafficking poses yet another threat to our security. Drug syndicates are generating huge funds, a part of which is being used to give financial support to criminal activities in the country. Drug trafficking and adulteration have been used by many to create a panic situation in the country.
Low levels of tolerance has diseased the democracy to the deepest level. It is now enough for just a film or a clipping or a song or even just a facebook/twitter post or for that matter just a word/sentence to hurt the sentiments of the people and create outrage. Participative democracy has been tethered to its pieces with such growing levels of impatience and intolerance.
In public perception a government that is unable to discharge all its responsibilities is more likely to respond when the demand is loud, organised and backed by acts of violence. It is even easier to create a mob and clashes and undermine the process of governance. So subtle and fragile is the security situation in the country. It has become very easy and simple to take up arms and wage a war and more and more difficult to keep calm and promote peace. Any amount of force will not deter this rage. It is only our determined and concerted effort to avoid becoming a pawn in some masters game will keep up the credibility of democratic governance.
It is very alarming to observe the number of juveniles involved in serious crimes. More and more delinquents have been convicted under the juvenile justice act (care and protection), 2000. Distorted minds are an indication of poor levels of education, illiteracy and disturbed childhood. It is very essential to catch them young, reform and rehabilitate their future.
Misogynist attitudes and patriarchal ways have demeaned the stature of women in society. Progress towards social emancipation of women in society has not achieved the desired outcome. The societal balance has been disturbed. Our skewed sex ratio of 940 females to 1000 males bears a testament to heinous crimes against women like female foeticide, female infanticide, abortions, acid attacks, molestation, sexual assault, rape, domestic violence, murder etc
Conclusion
Effective steps to reduce ethnic and social inequalities, disparities in educational and employment opportunities and for creating effective machinery for the redressal of public grievance are essential to prevent extremists violence. Steps to reduce economic deprivation and improve the delivery of essential services can erode the base of public support on which the extremist movements survive.
Lack of police reforms is fracturing the autonomy, accountability and responsiveness of the system. The Supreme Court directive in 2006 put forth guidelines to the states to improve the functioning of the police. However they have not been implemented as yet in many states. Use of ICT to develop modern techniques of investigation, forensics should be made available. Fortification of the police stations with well equipped machinery like CCTV cameras, bomb detectors, rifles, pistols etc should make its way into the system. Gender sensitization is of utmost importance given the increasing crimes on women.
The need for a well co-ordinated security apparatus cannot be undermined. A well structured machinery involving the army, paramilitary, intelligence, central forces and state police should be managed in every state. A composite force like that of NSG should be stationed in every state to meet the unforeseen violent strikes.
Special training on mob handling and criminal psychology should be provided. There is a need to make the forces more professional and improving their quality rather than emphasizing on the number of men. Standard operating procedures should be laid down with ample scope to exercise discretion to balance autonomy with accountability.
Centre is duty bound to intervene, if the security challenges are beyond the control of the state, as laid down in the constitution. The primary responsibility of maintain the law and order is with the state government as mentioned in the state list, but art 353 the union government is charged with the responsibility to protect the state government from internal disturbances. Action for non-compliance of the directions from the Union government can be taken under Article 365.
A state government can be dismissed under Article 356, if a situation arises in which the administration of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. A national emergency can be declared under Article 352.But, even if the Centre decides to intervene, the states role cannot be minimised. The many internal security challenges can be met effectively only with full cooperation between the central and the state governments.
The internal security problems should not be treated as merely law and order problems. They have to be dealt with comprehensively in all their dimensions and at all levels political, economic and social. The security requirements have to be met, but that does not mean giving the security agencies a free hand. Striking the right balance is the key to success in meeting these challenges effectively.
Shaik Shabana
Sources
www.moha.gov.in
www.indiastrategic.in
www.idsa.in
www.claws.in
Kautilyas teachings on internal security and his skilful expression of the warp and weft of internal and external security has great relevance in the globalised 21st century. Destabilising a country through internal disturbances is more economical and less objectionable, particularly when direct warfare is not an option and international borders cannot be violated. External adversaries, particularly the weaker ones, find it easier to create and aid forces which cause internal unrest and instability.
Itis very surprising to note that the country which freed itself from the clutches of its colonial masters by following the path of ahimsa is now every other day making headlines for violent fiery rage of its countrymen. India is hindered from its progressive path by various challenges that is threatening its internal security. Naxalism/ Maoist insurgency, secessionist tendencies, communalism, ethnic clashes, religious intolerance, misogynist attitudes etc are some of them.
Naxalism
Naxalism is today Indias most serious threat to itself. It has affected nearly 9 states: Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and west Bengal encompassing the eastern region of the country from north to south, commonly called as the red corridor. Left wing extremism was prevalent decades ago since 1960s and 70s. Sheer neglect and ignorance led to compounding of the problem making it the biggest concern for development.
In 2004, peoples war group(PWG) then operating in Andhra Pradesh and Maoist communist centre of India(MCCI) then operating in Bihar and adjoining areas combined to form the CPI(M)- Communist Party of India(Maoist). This amalgamation strengthened their ideologies to their advantage. CPI (M) is the major left wing extremist outfit responsible for majority of the violent incident and killing of civilians and security forces and has been included in the schedule of terrorist organisations under the unlawful activities (prevention) act, 1967.
The LWE signifies the fact that the country is at war with itself. The extremists philosophy of armed struggle to overthrow the state government is against the principles of parliamentary democracy. The LWE are sceptical of the capitalist initiatives, having lost faith in the governmental set up, root for the rule of the proletariat class. Government has called them to end violence and come for peace talks. However this plea was rejected as they believe in violence to achieve their objectives. This has resulted in bloodshed and terroristic activities in many parts of the country. The innocent village men, security forces and tribal people are facing the brunt of such bloodshed.
The extremists (agitating people) are people who have lost their homes, forests, fodder, lands, frustrated unemployed people, devoid of the fruits of development. They have lost their means of livelihood due to land acquisition, alienation, and monopolistic policy decisions of the state. Economic disparity has been the main cause for the rise of extremism rather than the ideological basis. Their exploitation has been further severed by the lackadaisical attitudes of the bureaucrats, inefficient administrative setup, lack of delivery mechanisms and grievance redressal measures. However any displeasure cannot be justified with violence and killings.
Government has initiated various measures to tackle such insurgencies such as creation of specially trained police forces like grey hounds, CoBRA etc, fortification of all the police stations in the affected LWE districts, modern armouries and specialised training to improve the defence capabilities of security forces.
Most of the LWE affected districts are backward and poor on various human development indicators. Realising this importance, government has also started social welfare programmes like Integrated action plan (IAP), special infrastructure scheme (SIS), Security related expenditure (SRE) scheme, Backward regions grant fund (BRGF) etc.. Such schemes are aimed at altering the critical infrastructure gaps and provide the necessities for construction of School Buildings, Anganwadi Centres, Drinking Water Facilities, Rural Roads, Panchayats Bhawans, PDS shops, skill trainings, Minor Irrigation Works, Electric Lighting, Health Centres, construction of Toilets, construction of passenger waiting hall, construction of ANM Centres, development of play grounds etc.
Secessionists interests
In addition, there are many secessionist interests and the so called revolutionary movements operating in the country today. Their goal could be to overthrow the government and bring about revolutionary changes in the structure and functioning of the state, or even secession from the Indian Union. Ever since independence, India has been facing all types of violent conflicts based on religion, caste, language, ethnicity and regional loyalties. Political insecurity further compounds the problem.
The Naga leadership under Z.A. Phizo had challenged their integration into the Indian Union even before India became independent in 1947. The Naga insurgency started way back in the early 1950s. Since then the insurgencies in this region have multiplied and spread to many new areas. Some seek secession from the Indian Union, some others seek separate states and yet others greater autonomy within the existing state.
The number of such insurgent groups could reach three-digit figures. In Manipur alone, more than twenty-five groups are operating. In Assam, the demands for bodoland have shunned the economic life of the region and have led to the creation of many militant groups like ULFA. Thousands have died in the insurgency-related violence.
Preoccupied with the problem of survival, the state governments in some of the most affected states are not looking at the problem from a long-term perspective. They have bought temporary peace by compromising with the subversive forces. Such short-sighted policies can have disastrous consequences in the long run. It is not surprising that in some parts of the state, the local men and police forces have joined hands with the subversive.
Finding themselves at the mercy of these subversive forces, the people tend to change sides and start supporting them instead of supporting the security forces. It would be wrong to assume that all those supporting, directly or indirectly, these forces are sympathetic to their ideology. Far from it! For most of them, preoccupied with the daily battle of survival, this is the obvious choice, because the police are unable to protect them.
The whole developmental process is seriously hampered because of this unending violence. The geo-strategic importance of the North-East is not sufficiently appreciated even in the security establishment. All the states in the North-East share an international border with other countries and the seven North-Eastern states are linked to the rest of the country only by a narrow strip of land. The lack of physical, cultural and emotional links has encouraged a feeling of alienation, which is being exploited by the anti national elements to pursue their own agenda.
The roots of these many insurgencies in the North-East lie deep in its history and its geography. The many ethnic groups, speaking many different languages and dialects, who inhabit this remote part of the country consider themselves as separate people with little in common with the people in the rest of the country. The lack of physical, cultural and emotional links has encouraged this feeling of separation.
The politician-police-criminal nexus has further emboldened the criminal elements. This creates a situation of lawlessness, where the rich and powerful violate the law with impunity. The police system is not the only department that is suffering but the entire justice system is strained. Not all cases are registered, and if registered there are not properly investigated, out of those very few are charge sheeted resulting in almost very low levels of conviction rates. In some north eastern state, the police have stopped submitting charge sheets in insurgency related cases.
When the fear of legal punishment disappears, organised crime makes its way. Money power, extortion and the so called protection money become more widespread. Many of the insurgent and militant groups are not driven by ideology, but by sheer greed. Money power is a bigger motivating factor than ideology. This mutually beneficial relationship has seriously damaged the quality of governance in the interior areas.
The real losers are the people. The development process gets seriously hampered in a violent environment. The deprived and the marginalised sections of the society, unable to survive in the present system, get alienated. The militant and extremist forces thrive in this environment. The rise of Left extremism and insurgents is more due to these compulsions than on ideological grounds.
Communal tensions
The rise of armed senas based on ethnic and caste lines in some parts of the country has led to the polarisation of the society. Loss of public confidence on the state and police to protect life and property has further strengthened their interests. Their attacks on religious lines have created a sense of insecurity among the people. Far from controlling them, some partisan political groups and police have encouraged their development.
Political high lords have always utilised the minority groups as vote banks, playing the communal card to their advantage, supporting their cause and cry, every time the elections makes it to the corner. This utilisation of the citizenry by dividing them on the communal basis is not new. The legacy of the British has still not left the country. Polarisation on caste and religious lines can further reduce the credibility of the democracy in the minds of the people.
Ethnic, communal, linguistic and sectarian clashes have shadowed the basic principle of common brotherhood enshrined in our constitution. The principle of vasudaiva kutumbam( the world is our family) has remained always in books and papers. The lack of faith and trust among fellow citizens has led to their exploitation by various section of society for personal greed and aggrandizement.
The rise of fundamentalist forces is posing the most serious threat to Indias security. Fired with religious zeal these forces have created an entirely new situation. These bands of fanatics are not only indulging in subversive activities, but are spreading the virus of fundamentalism. The break-up of the Indian Union continues to be their main goal. Easy availability of deadly weapons with the subversive groups operating in India has created new dangers for Indias security.
Other forms of violence
With the Golden Crescent, and the Golden Triangle in Indias neighbourhood, drug trafficking poses yet another threat to our security. Drug syndicates are generating huge funds, a part of which is being used to give financial support to criminal activities in the country. Drug trafficking and adulteration have been used by many to create a panic situation in the country.
Low levels of tolerance has diseased the democracy to the deepest level. It is now enough for just a film or a clipping or a song or even just a facebook/twitter post or for that matter just a word/sentence to hurt the sentiments of the people and create outrage. Participative democracy has been tethered to its pieces with such growing levels of impatience and intolerance.
In public perception a government that is unable to discharge all its responsibilities is more likely to respond when the demand is loud, organised and backed by acts of violence. It is even easier to create a mob and clashes and undermine the process of governance. So subtle and fragile is the security situation in the country. It has become very easy and simple to take up arms and wage a war and more and more difficult to keep calm and promote peace. Any amount of force will not deter this rage. It is only our determined and concerted effort to avoid becoming a pawn in some masters game will keep up the credibility of democratic governance.
It is very alarming to observe the number of juveniles involved in serious crimes. More and more delinquents have been convicted under the juvenile justice act (care and protection), 2000. Distorted minds are an indication of poor levels of education, illiteracy and disturbed childhood. It is very essential to catch them young, reform and rehabilitate their future.
Misogynist attitudes and patriarchal ways have demeaned the stature of women in society. Progress towards social emancipation of women in society has not achieved the desired outcome. The societal balance has been disturbed. Our skewed sex ratio of 940 females to 1000 males bears a testament to heinous crimes against women like female foeticide, female infanticide, abortions, acid attacks, molestation, sexual assault, rape, domestic violence, murder etc
Conclusion
Effective steps to reduce ethnic and social inequalities, disparities in educational and employment opportunities and for creating effective machinery for the redressal of public grievance are essential to prevent extremists violence. Steps to reduce economic deprivation and improve the delivery of essential services can erode the base of public support on which the extremist movements survive.
Lack of police reforms is fracturing the autonomy, accountability and responsiveness of the system. The Supreme Court directive in 2006 put forth guidelines to the states to improve the functioning of the police. However they have not been implemented as yet in many states. Use of ICT to develop modern techniques of investigation, forensics should be made available. Fortification of the police stations with well equipped machinery like CCTV cameras, bomb detectors, rifles, pistols etc should make its way into the system. Gender sensitization is of utmost importance given the increasing crimes on women.
The need for a well co-ordinated security apparatus cannot be undermined. A well structured machinery involving the army, paramilitary, intelligence, central forces and state police should be managed in every state. A composite force like that of NSG should be stationed in every state to meet the unforeseen violent strikes.
Special training on mob handling and criminal psychology should be provided. There is a need to make the forces more professional and improving their quality rather than emphasizing on the number of men. Standard operating procedures should be laid down with ample scope to exercise discretion to balance autonomy with accountability.
Centre is duty bound to intervene, if the security challenges are beyond the control of the state, as laid down in the constitution. The primary responsibility of maintain the law and order is with the state government as mentioned in the state list, but art 353 the union government is charged with the responsibility to protect the state government from internal disturbances. Action for non-compliance of the directions from the Union government can be taken under Article 365.
A state government can be dismissed under Article 356, if a situation arises in which the administration of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. A national emergency can be declared under Article 352.But, even if the Centre decides to intervene, the states role cannot be minimised. The many internal security challenges can be met effectively only with full cooperation between the central and the state governments.
The internal security problems should not be treated as merely law and order problems. They have to be dealt with comprehensively in all their dimensions and at all levels political, economic and social. The security requirements have to be met, but that does not mean giving the security agencies a free hand. Striking the right balance is the key to success in meeting these challenges effectively.
Shaik Shabana
Sources
www.moha.gov.in
www.indiastrategic.in
www.idsa.in
www.claws.in
LINKAGES BETWEEN DEVELOPMENT AND SPREAD OF EXTREMISMS
1. Introduction: Regardless of region and culture, Extremisms exist when conditions are right for individual to perceive it as rational. Radical Group seeks justification for their methods of violence from structural violence which is implicit in the social and economic system.
2. Meaning of Extremism:
Left Wing Extremism or Naxalism (as it called in India, because of its origin from a village called Naxalbari in West Bengal) is an ideology based on far left radical thoughts. It drives its thoughts from communism and emphasise advancement of peoples social and economic life by establishing classless society through armed revolution.
3. Historicity of Extremisms:
Unrest and discontent among tribals and marginalised is not new. Tribals were peasant and for them forest and other natural resources had religious and spiritual significance. They never looked at forest and other natural resources (like minerals and coals etc.) from profit making perspective. Even Mughals didnt interfere with tribal autonomy if tribal chief does not pose challenge to their authority. British later classified forest according to quantum of natural resources and went for large scale deforestation. Tribal uprisings opposing this were brutally crushed. Railways and roadways further accentuated this trend, raw materials like coal and minerals are collected by Britishers for industries in England and finished goods made inroads even to remote tribal lands. Subsidence farming was replaced by commercial farming and forests were cleared by forest contractors under British protection. Extremism was rooted in anti- imperialist struggle and supported armed revolution in order to achieve political transformation.
4. Extremism after independence and present status:
After Independence, India state recognized the importance of eradicating poverty and launched land reforms resulting in
a) Abolition of intermediaries like zamindars.
b) Security of tenancy.
c) Ceiling on agriculture holdings for distribution of surplus to landless.
Unfortunately land reforms remain an unfinished agenda. Tribals and marginalised always depended upon common resources like ponds, pastures etc. For livelihood but increasing tendency to see resources as profit sources have deprived poor with these resources.
Nehru and Mahalanobis from 2nd five year plan (1956-61) onwards followed western model of development which calls for shift in the pattern of industrial investment towards building up a domestic consumption goods sector. Rapid industrialisation, construction of big dams and other large scale activities claimed huge swathes of forests. Tribals were displaced and inadequate to offer alternate and consolidated livelihood to displaced population, it also doesnt look to social trauma of adivasis. It has been a major rallying point for adivasis and the moist tat recruit them. Adivasis have their religion, culture and history tied to land. This history, grounded in the land and forests, and has been in direct conflict with external forces since the pre-colonial era and has continued in its post-independence in neo-colonial form. Mizo Revolt (1966-1971), Warli Revolt (1956-58) and Naxalbari Revolt (1967-71) are few of many revolts by tribals against land and forest grab in the name of development.
Special economic zone conceptualised to attract FDI and promote large scale manufacturing etc. Cause large scale protest by tribals. It is seen as an attempt to grab land, forests and common resources in the name of development. Recent protest in Singrur and Nandigram are also based on similar notions. Extremists have stated one of their objectives as fighting against Indias efforts to setup SEZ in tribal areas reflecting the adverse affect of development.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh described left wing extremism as the biggest internal security problems. Today extremists are active in as many as 230 districts in 18 states of the country, amounting to more than one third of Indias geographical area.
In 2011 government reported 1755 incidents of moist violence resulting in 606 fatalities of civilians and security forces. This calls for are-think of development strategies and other efforts to bring the marginalised into mainstream.
5. Efforts by Government to address Extremism:
MHA follow two pronged approach which combines security forces action with accelerated development of extremist affected area. clear, hold and develop strategy is followed, as per GOI data , as on may 2013, 532 companies of central armed forces have been deployed in affected states to carry out joint operation with state police. 1000 Cr. development fund is embarked for 82 naxal affected districts continues even in 2013.
a) INTEGTATED ACTION PLAN (IAP): Planning commission implemented IAP for 82 LWE affected tribal and backward districts to provide public infrastructure and services. Major works under IAP include constuction of school, buildings, aganwadi centre, drinking water facilities, rural road, construction of panchyat bhawan, community halls, playground etc.
b) SPECIAL INFRASTRUCTURE SCHEME: In 11th five year plan Rs. 500 Cr. were earmarked for infrastructure development which are critical for progress and are not covered by other schemes.
c) ROAD REQUIREMENT PLAN (RRP) FOR LWE AREAS: This scheme aims at providing road connectivity to tribals in LWE affected areas.
d) PRIME MINISTER RURAL DEVELOPMENT FELLOWSHIP (PMRDF): It is launched by M.O.R.D for providing capacity building opportunity to well qualified young professional to carryout grassroot development in LWE affected districts. They would work along with district administration on any matter related to IAP, thus providing the tribal with points of contact and humane touch in understanding their problems.
e) PANCHAYAT (EXTENSION TO SCHEDULED AREAS) (PESA) ACT 1996: It is an important legislation empowering tribals in the field of local self goverment through gram sabha.
f) SURRENDER CUM REHABILITATION SCHEME: It is launched in on 1st April, 2013 for extremists, allowing them to wean away from extremist movements and ensure that didnt join the movement again. The scheme takes care of rehabilitation of extremists to mainstream life, and helps them to live a better life.
g) Apart from above mentioned schemes, schemes like Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana(PMGSY), Integrated Watershed Management Program, Backward Region Grant Fund(BRGF) etc. have relaxed norms when implemented in LWE affected districts.
h) Regular development schemes like Rajeev Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojna(RGGVY), National Rural Drinking Water Supply Programme, Sarva Siksha Abhiyaan and Indra Awas Yojna continue to work towards upliftment of tribals in LWE affected areas. Recently passed food security bill aims at eradicating hunger would go long way in helping tribals come out of hunger and malnutrition.
6. What more can be done:
a) Strengthing local self government:
Strengthening local self govt. in extremist affected area is a necessary step for regaining the lost faith of tribals in state machinery. Strengthening of local self govt with additional financial and decision making power would promote development by making them stakeholders in development. Holding regular elections is a must for people to response faith in 3rd tier of governance.
b) Bringing adivasis and other marginalized to political mainstream:
Right to vote is an important political right. Assertion of this right and demanding accountability from elected representative has been difficult for the marginalized groups. Awareness abd empowerment is needed.
c) Education and social empowerment:
A majority of adivasis are uneducated, education can help them to demand their rights and fight for them. Apart from this, discrimination related to residence, food, clothing, marriage and employment must be removed.
d) Providing with more employment opportunities:
Roping in more NGOs and other groups that work with these tribals to help them get more skills and opening new vistas of employment based on their skills can help nip alienating feeling among them.
e) Land to the tiller:
Land still remain the primary source of sustenance for large no. of tribals . land reforms letter and spirit granting right of land to the tiller can root out long standing dissatisfaction among the tribals . Along with this, access to common resources like forest produce, ponds, stream etc, even in reserve forest can help tribal livelihood.
f) Communication between officials and tribals:
For years extremist have exploited the lack of communication between govt. and tribals. Effective policy of continuous communication would allay fears and help bring tribals and marginalized into mainstream of development.
g) Justice to human rights victims:
In the strife torn areas, human rights violation by security forces must be dealt sternly. Urgent action for providing justice is needed.
7. Conclusion
Inequalities between classes have increased over the years which act as source unrest. Constitution is article 39 mandates states to prevent concentration of wealth in few hands but policy makers often ignore this resulting into two words : BHARAT and INDIA. Only when adivasis and marginalized groups are taken care of both these worlds wont merge. Structural violence causes much of violence. While not condoning radical violence, an honest response to extremism therefore must begin by ameliorating the structural violence in the society.
Name: Praveen Katiyar
List of Articles:
1) Devlopment Challenges in Extremist Affected Areas 2008, GOI Report
2) Force, Development or Both? Force, Development or Both? : by Bibhu Prasad Routray
3) http://exval.wordpress.com/2013/01/30/the-naxalite-uprising-an-overview/?blogsub=confirming#blog_subscription-2
4) http://www.opendemocracy.net/openindia/swapna-banerjee-guha/contradictions-of-%E2%80%98development%E2%80%99-in-contemporary-india
5) http://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/left-wing-extremism-rethinking-india%E2%80%99s-coin-strategy
6) Press Information Bureau
7) Government Websites: For various schemes
2. Meaning of Extremism:
Left Wing Extremism or Naxalism (as it called in India, because of its origin from a village called Naxalbari in West Bengal) is an ideology based on far left radical thoughts. It drives its thoughts from communism and emphasise advancement of peoples social and economic life by establishing classless society through armed revolution.
3. Historicity of Extremisms:
Unrest and discontent among tribals and marginalised is not new. Tribals were peasant and for them forest and other natural resources had religious and spiritual significance. They never looked at forest and other natural resources (like minerals and coals etc.) from profit making perspective. Even Mughals didnt interfere with tribal autonomy if tribal chief does not pose challenge to their authority. British later classified forest according to quantum of natural resources and went for large scale deforestation. Tribal uprisings opposing this were brutally crushed. Railways and roadways further accentuated this trend, raw materials like coal and minerals are collected by Britishers for industries in England and finished goods made inroads even to remote tribal lands. Subsidence farming was replaced by commercial farming and forests were cleared by forest contractors under British protection. Extremism was rooted in anti- imperialist struggle and supported armed revolution in order to achieve political transformation.
4. Extremism after independence and present status:
After Independence, India state recognized the importance of eradicating poverty and launched land reforms resulting in
a) Abolition of intermediaries like zamindars.
b) Security of tenancy.
c) Ceiling on agriculture holdings for distribution of surplus to landless.
Unfortunately land reforms remain an unfinished agenda. Tribals and marginalised always depended upon common resources like ponds, pastures etc. For livelihood but increasing tendency to see resources as profit sources have deprived poor with these resources.
Nehru and Mahalanobis from 2nd five year plan (1956-61) onwards followed western model of development which calls for shift in the pattern of industrial investment towards building up a domestic consumption goods sector. Rapid industrialisation, construction of big dams and other large scale activities claimed huge swathes of forests. Tribals were displaced and inadequate to offer alternate and consolidated livelihood to displaced population, it also doesnt look to social trauma of adivasis. It has been a major rallying point for adivasis and the moist tat recruit them. Adivasis have their religion, culture and history tied to land. This history, grounded in the land and forests, and has been in direct conflict with external forces since the pre-colonial era and has continued in its post-independence in neo-colonial form. Mizo Revolt (1966-1971), Warli Revolt (1956-58) and Naxalbari Revolt (1967-71) are few of many revolts by tribals against land and forest grab in the name of development.
Special economic zone conceptualised to attract FDI and promote large scale manufacturing etc. Cause large scale protest by tribals. It is seen as an attempt to grab land, forests and common resources in the name of development. Recent protest in Singrur and Nandigram are also based on similar notions. Extremists have stated one of their objectives as fighting against Indias efforts to setup SEZ in tribal areas reflecting the adverse affect of development.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh described left wing extremism as the biggest internal security problems. Today extremists are active in as many as 230 districts in 18 states of the country, amounting to more than one third of Indias geographical area.
In 2011 government reported 1755 incidents of moist violence resulting in 606 fatalities of civilians and security forces. This calls for are-think of development strategies and other efforts to bring the marginalised into mainstream.
5. Efforts by Government to address Extremism:
MHA follow two pronged approach which combines security forces action with accelerated development of extremist affected area. clear, hold and develop strategy is followed, as per GOI data , as on may 2013, 532 companies of central armed forces have been deployed in affected states to carry out joint operation with state police. 1000 Cr. development fund is embarked for 82 naxal affected districts continues even in 2013.
a) INTEGTATED ACTION PLAN (IAP): Planning commission implemented IAP for 82 LWE affected tribal and backward districts to provide public infrastructure and services. Major works under IAP include constuction of school, buildings, aganwadi centre, drinking water facilities, rural road, construction of panchyat bhawan, community halls, playground etc.
b) SPECIAL INFRASTRUCTURE SCHEME: In 11th five year plan Rs. 500 Cr. were earmarked for infrastructure development which are critical for progress and are not covered by other schemes.
c) ROAD REQUIREMENT PLAN (RRP) FOR LWE AREAS: This scheme aims at providing road connectivity to tribals in LWE affected areas.
d) PRIME MINISTER RURAL DEVELOPMENT FELLOWSHIP (PMRDF): It is launched by M.O.R.D for providing capacity building opportunity to well qualified young professional to carryout grassroot development in LWE affected districts. They would work along with district administration on any matter related to IAP, thus providing the tribal with points of contact and humane touch in understanding their problems.
e) PANCHAYAT (EXTENSION TO SCHEDULED AREAS) (PESA) ACT 1996: It is an important legislation empowering tribals in the field of local self goverment through gram sabha.
f) SURRENDER CUM REHABILITATION SCHEME: It is launched in on 1st April, 2013 for extremists, allowing them to wean away from extremist movements and ensure that didnt join the movement again. The scheme takes care of rehabilitation of extremists to mainstream life, and helps them to live a better life.
g) Apart from above mentioned schemes, schemes like Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana(PMGSY), Integrated Watershed Management Program, Backward Region Grant Fund(BRGF) etc. have relaxed norms when implemented in LWE affected districts.
h) Regular development schemes like Rajeev Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojna(RGGVY), National Rural Drinking Water Supply Programme, Sarva Siksha Abhiyaan and Indra Awas Yojna continue to work towards upliftment of tribals in LWE affected areas. Recently passed food security bill aims at eradicating hunger would go long way in helping tribals come out of hunger and malnutrition.
6. What more can be done:
a) Strengthing local self government:
Strengthening local self govt. in extremist affected area is a necessary step for regaining the lost faith of tribals in state machinery. Strengthening of local self govt with additional financial and decision making power would promote development by making them stakeholders in development. Holding regular elections is a must for people to response faith in 3rd tier of governance.
b) Bringing adivasis and other marginalized to political mainstream:
Right to vote is an important political right. Assertion of this right and demanding accountability from elected representative has been difficult for the marginalized groups. Awareness abd empowerment is needed.
c) Education and social empowerment:
A majority of adivasis are uneducated, education can help them to demand their rights and fight for them. Apart from this, discrimination related to residence, food, clothing, marriage and employment must be removed.
d) Providing with more employment opportunities:
Roping in more NGOs and other groups that work with these tribals to help them get more skills and opening new vistas of employment based on their skills can help nip alienating feeling among them.
e) Land to the tiller:
Land still remain the primary source of sustenance for large no. of tribals . land reforms letter and spirit granting right of land to the tiller can root out long standing dissatisfaction among the tribals . Along with this, access to common resources like forest produce, ponds, stream etc, even in reserve forest can help tribal livelihood.
f) Communication between officials and tribals:
For years extremist have exploited the lack of communication between govt. and tribals. Effective policy of continuous communication would allay fears and help bring tribals and marginalized into mainstream of development.
g) Justice to human rights victims:
In the strife torn areas, human rights violation by security forces must be dealt sternly. Urgent action for providing justice is needed.
7. Conclusion
Inequalities between classes have increased over the years which act as source unrest. Constitution is article 39 mandates states to prevent concentration of wealth in few hands but policy makers often ignore this resulting into two words : BHARAT and INDIA. Only when adivasis and marginalized groups are taken care of both these worlds wont merge. Structural violence causes much of violence. While not condoning radical violence, an honest response to extremism therefore must begin by ameliorating the structural violence in the society.
Name: Praveen Katiyar
List of Articles:
1) Devlopment Challenges in Extremist Affected Areas 2008, GOI Report
2) Force, Development or Both? Force, Development or Both? : by Bibhu Prasad Routray
3) http://exval.wordpress.com/2013/01/30/the-naxalite-uprising-an-overview/?blogsub=confirming#blog_subscription-2
4) http://www.opendemocracy.net/openindia/swapna-banerjee-guha/contradictions-of-%E2%80%98development%E2%80%99-in-contemporary-india
5) http://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/left-wing-extremism-rethinking-india%E2%80%99s-coin-strategy
6) Press Information Bureau
7) Government Websites: For various schemes
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