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Table of Contents
1. CYBER SECURITY ____________________________________________________________________ 4
1.1. Indias Cyber Security Challenges ________________________________________________________ 4
1.2. Ground Zero Summit, 2015 _____________________________________________________________ 5
1.3. Cyber Security in Space ________________________________________________________________ 6
1.4. Cooperation in Cybersecurity____________________________________________________________ 7
1.5. 8th International India Security Summit ___________________________________________________ 7
1.6. Cybercrimes__________________________________________________________________________ 8
2. EXTREMISM_______________________________________________________________________ 10
2.1. Red Corridor ________________________________________________________________________ 10
2.2. Deradicalisation _____________________________________________________________________ 10
2.2.1. Indias Deradicalisation Strategy ______________________________________ 10
2.2.2. Regulation of Social Media___________________________________________ 11
2.2.3. Anti-Terror Cyber-Push _____________________________________________ 12
2.3. Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Bill (GCTOC) ______________________________ 12
2.4. Maharashtra Protection of Internal Security Act (MPISA) ____________________________________ 14
2.5. Action Plan for Preventing Violent Extremism _____________________________________________ 15
3. ROLE OF EXTERNAL STATE AND NON-STATE ACTORS ____________________________________ 17
3.1. Role of China in North-East Insurgency ___________________________________________________ 17
3.2. National Security Doctrine _____________________________________________________________ 17
3.3. AFSPA ______________________________________________________________________________ 18
3.3.1. AFSPA in Meghalaya ________________________________________________ 18
3.3.2. The Supreme Court Judgment on Extrajudicial Killings _____________________ 19
3.4. Terrorism ___________________________________________________________________________ 20
3.4.1. Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) _______________ 20
3.4.2. Indias Cooperation with Other Countries to Fight Terror ___________________ 20
3.4.3. Lone Wolf- Style Terrorist Attacks ___________________________________ 21
3.4.4. Counter-Terrorism Conference 2016 ___________________________________ 22
3.4.5. Terror Attack in Belgium ____________________________________________ 23
3.4.6. Tackling Cross-Border Terrorism in SAARC Nations ________________________ 24
3.4.7. Terrorist Attacks in Bangladesh _______________________________________ 24
3.4.8. Paris Attacks ______________________________________________________ 25
3.4.9. Pathankot Attack __________________________________________________ 26
Background
The crimes related to cyber world can be multi-layered, multi-location, multi-
lingual, multi-cultural and multi-legal, thats why it is difficult to investigate and
reach to the criminal.
The cases related to cyber crime have increased by 70% in the year 2014 as
compared to the year 2013.
There is growing threat from online radicalisation.
Cyber security is needed
To ensure critical infrastructure system do not collapse under any situation
To ensure Business continuity
To ensure disaster recovery plans are tested regularly and upgraded
For the success of government initiatives like Digital India, Make in India and
Smart Cities.
Way forward
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I-4C)
Indian Perspective
This is new, emerging theatre of war and it is easy to paralyze satellite systems
leading to repercussions on security and economy of our country.
There were reports to suggest that Stuxnet was responsible for the power glitch
leading to the failure of Indias INSAT-4B communications satellite. However, ISRO
has flatly denied this possibility.
Way Forward
The success in the futuristic space endeavour will depend upon setting up a well-
tuned, cyber secure and tamper proof cyber security system, which can provide
surge capabilities to bolster Indias Space programme during critical period or in
hostilities.
1.6. CYBERCRIMES
The number of cybercrime cases registered in India has risen by 350 per cent in
the three-year period from 2011 to 2014, according to a joint study by PwC and
Assocham.
In the past, attacks have been mostly initiated from countries such as the U.S.,
Turkey, China, Brazil, Pakistan, Algeria, Turkey, Europe, and the UAE.
However, with the growing adoption of the Internet and smart-phones, India
has emerged as one of the favourite countries among cyber criminals.
Major security threat: Critical infrastructure: Attackers can gain control of vital
systems such as nuclear plants, railways, transportation or hospitals that can
subsequently lead to dire consequences.
Computer crime, or cybercrime, is crime that involves a computer and a network. The
computer may have been used in the commission of a crime, or it may be the target.
2.2. DERADICALISATION
setting rules of engagement for all the members with repeated offences leading
to suspension of the members social media account;
access of children to social media need to be regulated by parents; social media
sites should have special monitoring for accounts of members under age of 18
years.
The Union government plans to come out with a National Social Media Policy
soon
The policy will focus on countering social media propaganda that follows any
communally polarising incident in the country. There have been several cases
where incidents like communal riots, student's unrest etc have been used to
invoke extreme sentiments among vulnerable people and twisted to suit a
particular line of thought.
Mode of recruitment by IS: Identifying possible candidates who share or like
pro-IS literature, and then encourage them to share more content before trying
to inveigle them into travelling to IS-controlled areas in Iraq and Syria.
Under MCOCA and GCTOC, there are several safeguards for the citizen, prime among
them being
Opportunity
A heartening feature of MCOCA is that, among those charged under it till now,
only a small number is from the minority communities. The Dharmadhikari
Committee, which was appointed by the Maharashtra government to go into the
working of MCOCA, found no major shortcomings or criticism that would detract
from the merits of the Act.
Facts such as there being an average of about 40 cases registered annually and
about 6-7 persons arrested in each case, especially in a large State like
Maharashtra, are testimony to the fact that the use of MCOCA has been
extremely selective and not indiscriminate as was the case with TADA or POTA.
If the Gujarat Police pattern themselves after their Maharashtra counterparts,
half the battle against those who oppose GCTOC will have been won.
Similarities
Time to file chargesheet is 180 days, presumption of guilt and there are
special courts for trial
The Maharashtra government has created a draft internal security Act meant to deal
with challenges posed by terrorism, insurgency, communalism and caste violence.
Maharashtra is the first State in the country to draft its own internal security act.
The act has defined internal security as a situation posing threat to state within its
borders.
The draft makes it compulsory for all public spaces whether publicly or privately
owned to have CCTV surveillance and security arrangements as mandated by
the police.
Special Security Zones (SSZ) will be set up under the Act, where the movement of
arms and explosives and the inflow of unaccounted funds will be prohibited. The
act has also clearly defined the SSZs as having a separate police infrastructure.
It defines Critical Infrastructure Sectors (CIS), and bringing nuclear reactors,
dams, major projects, coastal areas under its ambit.
There draft also calls for a state internal security committee, with home
minister as ex-officio chairman and the minister of state (home) and the chief
secretary as members.
The draft has a provision for a jail term of up to three years and fine for those
threatening the States security.
No liability of state: citizens wrongly charged under this law cannot sue the state
or demand compensation because the state is protected from all such actions.
Human rights violation: In virtually every instance, unrestricted powers in the
hands of the police under such laws have resulted in arbitrary arrests, cooked-up
charges, long detention without trial, torture, and custodial deaths. An example
of this, as relating to Maharashtra, is the 2006 Malegaon blasts case.
Every law that permits the state to detain people on suspicion of unlawful or
terrorist activity as defined in the law, opens the way for the familiar trajectory
of arbitrariness and abuse of power.
Compulsory installation of CCTV is against the individuals right of privacy.
Multiplicity of laws: To manage internal security, already we have Maharashtra
Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), 1999, the Unlawful Activities
(Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, amended twice in 2008 and 2012 and the National
Security Act (NSA), 1980.
Insurgency
It is defined as act of rebellion and armed struggle by a section of society with a view
to overthrough th government.
Insurgents, by and large, target the security forces and the state apparatus.
They work to mobilise the people, acquire popular support and eventually
overthrow the government.
Insurgency is confined within the national boundary and it is directed against
one's own government.
3.3. AFSPA
Background
The Meghalaya High Court has asked Legal basis for enforcing AFSPA
the Centre to consider enforcing Armed The central government can enforce
Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act,
(AFSPA) in militancy-hit Garo Hills 1958 for the purpose of deployment of
region in the state to help the armed forces in the aid of civil
administration restore the rule of law. administration in order to restore public
The order of the full bench is significant order and maintain the law and order.
coming in the wake of the recent
kidnapping and killing of an Intelligence Bureau officer and businessman by A'chik
Songna An'pachakgipa Kotok militants and abduction of government official by
Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) militants.
Though excessive, the direction of the Meghalaya High Court is not without legal
effect. It has consequently led to a situation where the central government, which
is responsible for deploying armed forces, is considering challenging the order in
the Supreme Court.
Argument for
Argument against
There is also a strong resentment and agitation in the state against the
Meghalaya Preventive Detention Act (MPDA) and Meghalaya Maintenance of
Human rights activities have hailed the historic judgment of the Supreme Court.
It may give momentum to the demand for the repeal of AFSPA as a necessary step
to end impunity.
Demand for Repeal of AFSPA
The Justice Verma Commission has said in unequivocal terms that security
persons who rape women should be judged under the same act that applies to
the civilians.
In 2005 the Jeevan Reddy Commission said that AFSPA should be repealed and
the clauses that are required should be included in other Acts.
Mr R. N. Ravi, former head of the Intelligence Bureau for the North East is on
record that AFSPA is the biggest obstacle to peace in the region.
The original draft that was tabled in 1996 and discussed until April 2013 includes
amongst key objectives:
To have a universal definition of terrorism that all 193-members of the UNGA will
adopt into their own criminal law. No good terrorist or bad terrorist.
To ban all terror groups and shut down terror camps regardless of their stated
objectives,
To prosecute all terrorists under special laws, and
To make cross-border terrorism an extraditable offence worldwide.
Opposition to CCIT
US and its allies
Concerns over definition of terrorism.
The U.S. has been worried about the application of the CCIT to its own
military forces especially with regard to interventions in Afghanistan and
Iraq.
Latin American countries
Concerns over international humanitarian laws and Human rights being
ignored.
OIC countries
The OIC feels that the convention will be used to target Pakistan and will
restrict the rights of self-determination groups in Palestine, Kashmir and
elsewhere in the world.
In 2011, US-India Homeland Security Dialogue was created, which was the first
comprehensive bilateral dialogue on homeland security issues between our two
countries.
The dialogue covers a wide range of activities linked to enhancing homeland
security coordinated by Department of Homeland Security US and Ministry of
Home Affairs
The Terrorist Screening Center has details of 11,000 terror suspects. The
database includes name of the terror suspect, nationality, date of birth, photos,
finger prints (if any), and passport number.
The U.S. has already finalised such agreements with 30 countries.
The Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) had
opposed giving the United States unhindered access to the database of terror
suspects in India.
Mumbai has now become part of a network of international cities that will
exchange techniques and develop infrastructure to combat extremism and
strengthen their cyber security system
The network, formed at the UN level, has promised Maharashtra government to
help in developing infrastructure to tackle extremism and fortify cyber security
mechanism
Mumbai is the only city from Asia to be part of the network of 25 international
cities, which are badly affected by terrorist activities in recent times.
The group will serve as a common platform among these cities to exchange
techniques and develop infrastructure to combat terrorism
The first meeting of representatives of these 25 cities was held in New York last
week. At the conclave, they decided to set up a corpus.
New York, London, Paris, Denver, Oslo, Stockholm, Montreal and Copenhagen are
the other prominent cities included in the network.
The only criterion for the selection was that the city should be the financial hub
of its respective country and affected by terrorism.
In such attacks, actors allegedly act by themselves without any tactical or financial
support from an established insurgent group or international terrorist
organisation.
A series of deadly explosions rocked Belgium's capital, targeting the main airport of
Zaventem and the city's metro system.
At least 34 people have been killed in bombings at the Zaventem airport and the
Maelbeek metro station that took place.
Brussels, which hosts key European Union institutions, is the de facto capital of
Europe.
Islamic state (IS) Terrorist group
The Islamic State group, which was behind the Paris attacks, claimed
responsibility for the Brussels bombings.
The Islamic State in particular has carried out a number of attacks across the
world, from Paris to Ankara, in recent months.
Why public places are attacked by IS?
The IS is facing military setbacks in and around the so-called caliphate.
There is rationale for IS to attack public places and kill innocent people
First, not being able to expand the territories of the caliphate, the IS wants
to export terrorism to other countries so as to stay relevant and find more
recruits.
Second, and more important, the IS is fighting a war against the civilisational
values of the modern world. By attacking the public, it wants to create panic
in free and open societies, break their social cohesion and then reap the
dividends.
Why Belgium?
Belgium has been a focus for counterterrorism officials for years because of the
large number of Belgian foreign fighters who have traveled to join ISIS and other
terror groups in Syria and Iraq.
Per capita, Belgium has the highest number of foreign fighters in Syria of any
Western European nation.
Several cities have housed Islamist cells, but the most active have been in Brussels
and in the south-western suburb of Molenbeek in particular - an area with a high
ethnic Moroccan population and a high rate of unemployment.
The terror attack on Brussels is not about a revenge strike, but about the intense
radicalisation deeply entrenched in broader communities and neighbourhoods.
Benefits
A court consisting of judges of all SAARC countries in the region will perhaps
ensure swifter justice as it will ensure collaboration on trans-border cases.
It was also suggested that a common secure website to be created for judges of
SAARC Nations. This website can provide for exchange of information on modus
operandi of terror group, arms and equipment used by terrorists and their
handlers.
Challenges
Experts are of the opinion that idea will be difficult to implement as India dont
have an extradition treaty with Pakistan.
State (Pakistan) agencies like ISI and army are involved in supporting terror
groups.
Trust deficit between India and Pakistan.
Pakistan has never acknowledge that anti-India terror groups are thriving in its
territory
Terror has become state instrument to control the government in Afghanistan.
France has been at the forefront of the ongoing operations against the ISIS
(Daesh) in Syria.
France has one of the largest Muslim populations in Europe, and its Muslim
minority remains less integrated into the national mainstream and has
grievances against the French governments not-so-friendly way of
mainstreaming them.
ISIS is a clear and present danger to India. We need to address this threat before
it acts.
While Indian agencies are ruling out any immediate threat, it is clear that a new
version of the IS style of attacks, very low cost, but high impact, is a high
possibility in the country.
The political establishment needs to wake up to the possibility of local grievances
finding global echo and refuge in IS propaganda.
Conclusion
India should therefore, check extremism of all kinds, equip and constantly monitor
the agencies, preferably by a joint parliamentary committee.
Need to differentiate between the Pakistan government and non-state actors and
show greater diplomatic restraint
Need to Evolve national security doctrine to respond to such attacks
The proposed security doctrine must be anchored in the foundational values
of the Constitution.
The doctrine must be accompanied by a national security strategy that spells
out the command and control structures for meeting eventualities such as
terror strikes.
Revival of NATGRID.
Political consensus must be evolved, in a publicly transparent manner, to reflect
the complex challenge facing the country.
Security around a forward air force base needs to be much better.
As these attacks have become predictable, India needs to have blueprints in place
to protect Indian nuclear installations and naval bases, as well as Indian
diplomatic missions.
Punjab is facing two serious challenges- corruption and drug trafficking India
cannot afford such mismanagement of a strategic border state.
India must now activate its diplomacy in the U.S. to act tougher on Pakistan.
India must prepare for an effective and integral response to the threat of cross-
border terrorism. When it comes to dealing with terrorism, there is a need to
further improve Centre-state collaboration as well as civil-military coordination.
Border defence, intelligence and internal security reforms are the best defence
against these urban spectacular threats.
Computer and network surveillance is the monitoring of computer activity and data
stored on a hard drive, or data being transferred over computer networks such as
the Internet. The monitoring is often carried out covertly and may be completed by
governments, corporations, criminal organizations, or individuals.
Arguments in favour
Advent of internet age has given ample opportunities of use and misuse of the
liberty granted in the constitution without revealing the identity. Thus there is a
need for internet governance and surveillance.
To snoop into a persons private space, in the interest of security does not vitiate
persons liberty.
According to govt. this (CMS) is not scrutiny and access to actual messages. It is
only computer analysis of patterns of calls and emails that are being sent. It is not
actually snooping
India and Internet surveillance
specifically on content of
anybody's message or Indias cyber security policy, launched in 2013, is
conversation. characterised by a striking duality of purpose. On
Internet surveillance can the one hand, it seeks to guard, and thus
be used to prevent strengthen, the countrys strategic assets and
online intelligence infrastructure. On the other, it
dangerous terrorist
hopes to secure the transactions of citizens,
attacks. companies and public services on the web.
It helps law and order Indias Central Monitoring System (CMS) gives
agencies to solve a case govt. the absolute power to monitor all phone
promptly as huge useful and online communication in the country.
information is available Examples: Gujarat snooping incident, PRISM,
on phone, email and Wikileaks.
other internet websites
used by people.
Criticisms
The Indian Constitution does not expressly grant a right to privacy. It was only in
1994, in Rajagopal v. State of Tamil Nadu, that the Supreme Court, though its
interpretive force, found privacy to be inherent in a persons right to personal
liberty.
There is no legislative backing to CMS (Central Monitoring System).
Internet surveillance is threat to govt. itself. For eg. NSA systematically tapped
conversations between Indian government officials and elected representatives,
whether it be through phone calls, e-mail, texts, chat or Skype videos. India fifth-
largest target of U.S. electronic snooping.
Internet surveillance can be misused for snooping and political mileage.
Internet surveillance may affect freedom of speech and expression by banning
criticism, disclosures, whistleblowing and creative works.
Suggestions
4.3. NATGRID
To fight against terrorism Central government has decided to revive NATGRID
(National Intelligence Grid).
What is NATGRID?
NATGRID is the integrated intelligence grid connecting databases of core security
agencies of the Government of India to collect comprehensive patterns of
intelligence that can be readily accessed by intelligence agencies.
It was conceived in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Functioning
NATGRID is an intelligence sharing network that collates data from the standalone
databases of the various agencies and ministries of the Indian government.
It is a counter terrorism measure that collects and collates a host of information
from government databases including tax and bank account details, credit card
transactions, visa and immigration records and itineraries of rail and air travel.
This combined data will be made available to 11 central agencies, which are:
Research and Analysis Wing, the Intelligence Bureau, Central Bureau of
Investigation, Financial intelligence unit, Central Board of Direct Taxes,
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Enforcement Directorate, Narcotics Control
Bureau, Central Board of Excise and Customs and the Directorate General of
Central Excise Intelligence.
In its present form, NATGRID suffers from many inadequacies, some due to
bureaucratic red tape and others due to fundamental flaws in the system.
Social media and other platforms have become recruitment sites and propaganda
machines for terrorist groups, and formal banking channels are used as much as
informal ones to transact terror funding.
Weaknesses in India's intelligence gathering and action networks.
Importance of NATGRID
Criticism
The state police or different defence departments are not mentioned among the
10 "user agencies" who will be able to electronically access 21 sensitive
databases.
NATGRID effectiveness will be reduced if the Central agencies are not willing to
share current intelligence with the State agencies.
NATGRID faced opposition on charges of possible violations of privacy and
leakage of confidential personal information.
NATGRID will have access to all kinds of data under one roof and can also prove to
be counter-productive if misused.
NATGRID also faces issues like consolidating data from a huge population, lack of
compatibility with data sets in regional languages, risk of spies ratting out vital
information to outside sources and security from external attacks.
Precautions
As the NATGRID will have very sensitive information about individuals, potential
for its misuse is also very high.
Government must take measures to ensure that the information does not fall
through the firewalls that guard it.
NATGRID has the potential to become Indias go-to grid for a 360-degree
perspective to prevent and contain crises.
Significance
Quick delivery system would benefit the society at large, enhance the image of
police,
It will help police in establishing an effective and efficient communication with
the citizens.
Similar Initiatives
Provide the Investigating Officers of the Civil Police with tools, technology
and information to facilitate investigation of crime and detection of criminals.
Improve Police functioning in various other areas such as Law & Order,
Traffic Management etc.
Facilitate Interaction and sharing of crime and criminal Information among Police
Stations, Districts, State/UT headquarters and other Police Agencies.
Keep track of the progress of Cases, including in Courts.
Make the Police functioning citizen friendly and more transparent by automating
the functioning of Police Stations.
Improve delivery of citizen-centric services through effective usage of ICT.
POLNET is a satellite based wide area network for the modernization of Police
Telecommunication of the country.
POLNET is an amalgamation of different latest VSAT technologies ie TDM/TDMA,
SCPC/DAMA and DVB-S.
It is a huge network consisting of about 1000VSATs (Very Small Aperture
Terminals at each state capital, District HQrs and selected locations of CPMFs
(BSF, ITBP, CISF, CRPF, Assam Rifles, SSB) and CPOs .
At present POLNET caters to 961 no. of VSATs through a HUB installed in New
Delhi with 11 mtr antenna with necessary Outdoor and Indoor equipments to
support total VSAT Network of about 1500 locations for VOICE, DATA, FAX
facilities.
The POLNET network is also providing connectivity for interlinking NCRB
computers to SCRB and DCRB computers provided to State/District HQrs. for
online transaction processing.
Data Leak
A massive data leak detailing the combat and stealth capabilities of the Indian
Navys soon-to-be inducted French Scorpene submarines has been reported.
One, the contents of the report will undermine Indias maritime security.
Two, it will put a hole in the countrys Indian Ocean strategy. Chinese submarine
activity in the Indian Ocean has increased dramatically the past few years.
Three, the Scorpene incident should be just another reminder of Indias need to
re-look at its own cyber security and defence production norms.
One vulnerability is the fact India continues to import pretty much all of its
military needs. The multiplicity of players this introduces means the
likelihood of leaks and hacks increases.
Two is that, India remains a laggard in terms of securing its more sensitive
systems. Cyber security remains a policy domain fragmented among over a
dozen agencies. Recommendations for a cyber security command remain on
paper.
Street View is the search giants virtual mapping tool that lets users view 360-
degree, panoramic and street-level images across more than 65 countries
Google has stated Street Views usefulness in disaster management and tourism.
Model adopted in other countries
In the US, Google was asked to remove sensitive information, and its image-
capturing cars were ordered to keep off military bases.
In Germany, households were given the option of blurring their buildings.
In Japan, the height from which the cameras scanned the neighbourhoods was
lowered and local governments were notified prior to Googles photography.
Israel allowed Street View, with no images in real-time and only for public spaces
open to all.
Way forward
Government has hinted that its refusal is not final and that such issues could be
resolved once the Geospatial Bill, which seeks to regulate map-creation and
sharing, comes into force. Also, it might not be in Indias best interests to keep
out this technology for long.
Background
In early July a young Kashmiri Burhan Wani was killed by the Indian security
forces in an encounter. He was commander of military outfit Hizbul Mujahideen.
Burhan Wani was projected as a hero and a victim of state atrocities by the local
Hurriyat leaders, Pakistani media and certain sections of Kashmiri media and
population.
Consequently, his death was followed by protests from Kashmiris in large
numbers who defied curfews with attacks on security forces and public
properties.
The use of pallet guns by the army and police to control the mob and restore law
and order was also put under lot of criticism as it led to injuries and blinding of
many people.
The situation is such that the valley has still not returned to normalcy after 60
days. The crisis is projected as the worse since 1990s.
The present unrest in Kashmir is not a new incident. The valley has been victim of
such violence for many years. It started in 1947 with accession of the state to India
but worsened during 1980s with the rise in militant insurgency. The reasons for this
are many:
Despite negotiation with the Kashmiri people by the State government and central
government, visit of all-part delegation to the valley and nationwide discussion of the
matter, the situation has not been rectified. There are several reasons for this:
Lack of dialogues between the government and all the stakeholders. The Indian
government has refused to talk to Hurriyat who have a presence enough to
continue the disruptions.
Irresponsible media: The situation has worsen due to the presence of social
media, incitement by local media etc.
Use of pallet guns by the security forces: Though this was necessary, it increased
the angst of the people against state.
Instigation by Pakistan
Way ahead
There is an urgent need for the Indian and Jammu and Kashmir government to
reach out the people of Kashmir. All major stakeholders must rise above narrow
political agenda and do the right thing for the future of Kashmir.
Efforts must be made to develop mutual trust and concern. The banning of pallet
guns is welcome beginning. Indian government should also consider humanizing
AFSPA wherever possible especially in the light of the recent SC judgment.
The most important step should be towards the economic and social
development of the people. The increase in grants, development fund should be
given. Special schemes for the handicrafts, tourism and employment of Kashmiri
youths should be encouraged. Schemes like Nai Manzil, USTTAD etc are
encouraging initiatives.
The interest of Kashmiri people and their Kashmiriyat must be central to
government efforts. Technology driven changes should be tried
Any rollback of A.370 should not be sudden or knee-jerk. It must be done
progressively while taking into confidence the people of J&K. Not all provisions
can be reversed and withdrawn but few will be acceptable to Kashmir as
beneficial to them.
1. In Kashmir Division
The proposal provides for additional 3000 state government jobs to the Kashmiri
migrants with financial assistance from the Government of India and
Why in news?
The 9 soldiers of the Madras regiment trapped in ice died after an avalanche on
the Siachen glacier.
A soldier named Hanumanthappa rescued but latter succumbed to his injuries.
This was not an isolated incident but part of a growing trend in that region, as
global warming dramatically
affects the glacier.
The Indian Navy conducted an International Fleet Review at Bay of Bengal off
Visakhapatnam.
Fifty-one navies sent either their ships or delegations to the IFR.
Theme of IFR-2016 was United through ocean
Culminated with Indian and foreign ships undertaking a Passage Exercise (PASSEX)
in Bay of Bengal.
A Naval Fleet Review is a long-standing tradition followed by navies all over the
world.
The review aims at assuring the country of the Indian Navys preparedness, high
morale and discipline.
It provided an opportunity to enhance mutual trust and confidence with maritime
neighbours and partners by inviting their ships to participate in the review.
The international fleet review is a reminder of Indias capabilities to help build an
open, secure and prosperous Indian Ocean
Its geographical location on major shipping routes of the Indian Ocean gives it a
pivotal maritime role.
The Indian Navy plays a central role in ensuring the safety of the vital sea lines of
communication across the ocean.
Indias economic and strategic calculus acquired a maritime dimension
More than 40 per cent of Indias current GDP is linked to international trade. And
most of this trade is sea-borne.
It also recognizes the importance of assisting smaller nations in managing their
exclusive economic zones and responding to natural disasters.
A robust blue water navy acts as force multiplier in diplomacy and blue economy.
Way forward
India needs a new national military strategy that takes a fresh look at the
changing nature of threats and the balance between the continental and
maritime.
Our country had a credible record of cooperative initiatives to promote stability
of the oceans by realigning its maritime strategy
There is need of vigorous debate on the potential options that the navy can
generate in deterring the land-based threats from China and Pakistan.
The political and naval leaderships have to acknowledge the urgent need to
cultivate special maritime relationships with key partners amid the altering
regional balance of power in the Indian Ocean
India will also have to move away from the lone-ranger mentality of the past
towards developing minilateral and multilateral mechanisms for maritime
security cooperation.
The seas can be used to promote peace, cooperation and friendship as also
develop partnerships for a secure maritime future as the blue commons link one
another, true to the theme of IFR United Through Oceans.
Following 26/11 terror attacks, Coast Guard was made responsible for securing
Indian territorial waters extending up to 12 nautical miles (about 22 Km) from the
shore, and new coastal police stations had been proposed to maintain security up
to five nautical miles from the shore.
The new limits of 200 nautical miles for land police will now add greater depth to
the patrolling.
New change will allow greater say to local police while dealing with cases of
smuggling and terrorism along Indias 7,516-km-long coastline.
There are some instances under the scanner of various investigative agencies that
indicate there may be links to ISIS funds being routed from India, if not generated.
In the wake of the increased activities of terrorist groups around the globe,
including ISIS, India had recently reported to the FATF that it has frozen assets
worth Euro 3 lakh (over Rs 2.12 core) of over three dozen entities on charges of
terrorist financing and money laundering of illicit funds
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967(UAPA) and the Prevention of
Money laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) are effective instrumentalities to combat
offences relating to Terrorist Financing and Money laundering
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 has been strengthened by
amendments in 2013 which inter-alia includes enlarging the scope of proceeds of
terrorism to include any property intended to be used for terrorism, enlarging
The central government has recently decided to raise additional 17 IRB for Jammu
and Kashmir and LWE affected
About Indian Reserve Battalion
areas.
It included 5 battalions in J&K, 4 in The Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) is an
Chhattisgarh, 3 each in Jharkhand elite force meant to handle serious law
and Orissa and 2 in Maharashtra. and order problems in a state, mainly
There is emphasis placed on the left-wing extremism and terrorism.
recruitment of local youths for It provides touch support to the local
police forces in dealing with such activities
these forces and if required the age in whatever shape they may take place in
and educational criteria will be different parts of the state.
relaxed. E.g. 60% of the recruitment It is trained and equipped to deal in
in J&K has to be done from the specific circumstances and not designed
border districts. to supplant the normal functions of
The government has so far police force.
sanctioned 153 battalions to The initial funding for raising the IRB is
various states under its scheme of done by using central funds. Their
Indian Reserve Battalions management, however, rests with the
respective states.
introduced in 1971.
This will add to the anti-Maoist and anti-terrorist strength of the state police.
The provision of recruitment of local people would be crucial in many ways:
It will reduce the trust deficit between Army & CAPFs and local populace.
Knowledge of local conditions is better for intelligence gathering and carrying
out operations.
Generating employment opportunities in these areas would help in removing
poverty and also checking the radicalization and diversion of the youth by
bringing them into mainstream.
The District Reserve Group (DRG), a locally raised force vested with the task to tackle
Maoists has added muscle to the counter insurgency operations in south Chhattisgarh
in past one year.
About DRG
It was first set up in Kanker (north Bastar) and Narayanpur (comprising
Abhujmad) districts in 2008 and after a gap of five years, the force was raised in
Bijapur and Bastar districts in 2013.
The DRG has strength close to 1,700, including officers.
Those in the DRG are full police officers, with the same accountability as anyone
else, and thus the state is fully responsible for their actions.
Dubbed as son of soil because its personnel are recruited from among local
youth and surrendered Naxals in Bastar division.
Why in news?
Objective
The conference is aimed at providing a platform for the countrys different law
enforcement agencies to come together and discuss a coordinated strategy to tackle
crime.
Conclusion