CURRENT THREATS FOR INTERNAL SECURITY OF BHARAT

Security in Bharat has been an unwavering constant throughout its rich history, threading through the rich fabric of time from the earliest civilizations to the complexities of the modern nation-state. The internal security environment in Bharat is highly complex and challenging, it is impacted by the external as well as domestic environment.

Following are the significant current treats to India's internal security :

TERRORISM : Starting from Kashmir to Kerala, Bharat has witnessed the wrath of terrorism. Terror attack on a bus carrying pilgrims at Reasi which left nine people dead and 41 injured demonstrates the existence and the threat of terrorism in Bharat.

NORTH EAST BHARAT : Though considered as an example of Ethno-Nationalism, insurgent and militant groups operating in North East Bharat pose a serious threat to internal security of Bharat.

Some North Eastern States are emerging as new hotspots of terrorist activities. For example, terrorists from terror groups like Harkat-ul-jihad-al Islami Bangladesh operating from Bangladesh infiltrate in states like Assam.

MONEY LAUNDERING : A process to disguise the criminal origin of financial assets so that they can be used freely , is another major threat to internal security. Money laundering finances purchase of new weapons, technological equipment to fund media campaigns for terror activities. It also fuels cyber crime and frauds in Bharat.

Money laundering poses a threat to national security directly through foreign funding for illegitimate operations, terrorism financing, espionage, influencing political processes or protests in Bharat. The money laundering activities and corruption in the country may lead to social unrest, protest and in extreme cases regime change.

This will pose a threat to the law and order system of the country and affect the overall security of the country and associated crimes leads to the vicious cycle of unemployment, poverty and crime due to the financial system and low economic growth.

SOCIAL MEDIA : An instrument of social power which can attract and retain a broad audience. It is considered by many as a tool to bring transformation in modern democratic societies . However it is also considered as a powerful weapon in today's age to spread misinformation and create chaos in the world.

Terrorist organisations like ISIS , use social media platforms and even dark net to recruit members and also to communicate and train the militants. Bharat is witnessing an increasing incident of communal violence and polarization of society in the name of religion. Social media has become a major facilitator in escalating such sensitive matters and disturbing the peaceful coexistence in society.

Use of social media to cause financial fraud, cyber bullying, online harassment has become common in recent times. A spread of fake news results in creating a panic situation in the country . Unconstrained use of social media platforms in the name of freedom of speech and expression is also posing a great challenge to, democratic fabric of the country.

SECURITY CHALLENGES IN BORDER AREAS : Bharat shares 15,106 km of its land border with several nations Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Nepal and Bhutan.

India faces several challenges in its border including cross border terrorism, insurgency in northern states, illegal immigration, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, infiltration by insurgent groups, border disputes, environment degradation, territorial disputes, smuggling of counterfeit goods and border disputes with China.

China indirectly supports the insurgent groups in the north east by providing them moral and material support. China has repeatedly issued stapled visas toNationals from Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu Kashmir. Bharat has consistently refused to accept this.

Bharat though facing several internal security challenges that threaten its stability and security, the India government has implemented various measures to address these challenges . The feeling of the Nation first in the heart of each and every citizen , would help us succeed in attaining freedom from the internal security threats.

Article by

Krity Lama
Younginker
Darjeeling, West Bengal