Internal Security (Fundamentalism) by Viraj C. Rane

Model Answer

Question #1. Despite the Indian government’s efforts to quell the Khalistan movement, its supporters have continued to agitate for a separate state. Explain various threats posed by the Khalistan movement to the internal security of India and suggest measures to be taken to combat this threat. 10 marks (150 words)

Concept/Syllabus Map

Topic: Linkages between development and spread of extremism

Sub-topic: Khalistan movement

Approach

1. Contextually introduce with Khalistan movement
2. Explain the security threats posed by the Khalistan movement
3. Suggested measures to deal with this threat
4. Conclude with way forward

Hints:

The Khalistan movement is a Sikh separatist movement that seeks to create an independent state of Khalistan in the Indian state of Punjab. This movement has been active since the 1970s and has been responsible for a number of violent incidents over the years. The Indian government has taken several steps to quell the movement, including the arrest of key leaders and the use of force in certain situations. However, despite these efforts, the Khalistan movement continues to pose a threat to the internal security of India.

Security threats posed by the Khalistan movement

1) Terrorism: One of the key threats posed by the Khalistan movement is the potential for violence and unrest. The movement has been responsible for a number of violent incidents over the years, including bombings, assassinations, and attacks on security forces. This violence can have a destabilizing effect on the region and can create a sense of fear and insecurity among the general population.

2) Radicalization: The Khalistan movement promotes a radical and divisive ideology that can lead to the radicalization of individuals. This can create a breeding ground for extremist activities, including terrorism.

3) Disruption of public order: The Khalistan movement has the potential to disrupt public order in Punjab and other parts of India, leading to protests, riots, and other forms of civil unrest.

4) Ethnic and communal tensions: Another threat posed by the Khalistan movement is the potential for ethnic and communal tensions. The movement is based on a belief in Sikh separatism, which can create a sense of division between Sikhs and other communities in the region. This can lead to tensions and conflicts between different groups, which can further undermine the stability of the region.

Suggested measures to combat the threats posed by the Khalistan movement

1) To combat these threats, the Indian government should take several measures. First, it should continue to maintain a strong security presence in the region to prevent violent incidents and maintain law and order. This can involve the use of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and other measures to identify and apprehend individuals who pose a threat to security.

2) The government should work to address the underlying grievances that fuel the Khalistan movement. This could involve initiatives to promote economic development, job creation, and social welfare programs in the region. By addressing the root causes of the movement, the government can help to reduce support for the separatist cause and promote greater stability in the region.

3) The government should engage in dialogue with the leaders of the Khalistan movement to try to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. This could involve the creation of a political forum for discussions, the release of political prisoners, and the initiation of a broader dialogue on issues of concern to the Sikh community.

Thus, the Khalistan movement continues to pose a significant threat to the internal security of India. To combat this threat, the government should maintain a strong security presence in the region, address the underlying grievances that fuel the movement, and engage in dialogue with the leaders of the movement to try to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Question #2. The insurgency in the North-East has some peculiar characteristics which differ from that of Naxalism in Eastern India. Discuss. To what extent the 6th Schedule has satisfied the tribal aspirations and has prevented many conflicts in the Northeast region? 15 marks (250 words)

Concept/Syllabus Map

Topic: Linkages between development and spread of extremism

Sub-topic: Insurgency in the North-East

Approach

1. Question has two parts:-Difference between peculiar characteristics of insurgency and naxalism and importance of 6th schedule in fulfilling tribal aspirations.
2. Introduce the topic by writing about insurgency and Naxalism.
3. Write how the characteristics of insurgency in North East differs from that of naxalism in eastern India.
4. Explain to what extent the 6th schedule has satisfied the tribal aspirations. Write both positive changes and bring out some challenges
5. Conclude by writing the gist of the answer.

Hints:

An insurgency in north east is an armed rebellion against a constituted authority while left wing extremism believes to overthrow existing political system. The 6th schedule establishing autonomous district council in four north eastern states has envisaged protecting and preserving tribal aspirations and conflicts at greater extent.

Characteristics of insurgency in North East which differs from that of Naxalism in eastern India:

1) Geographical Scope: The insurgency in the North-East is primarily concentrated in the states of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya, whereas Naxalism in eastern India, also known as the Maoist insurgency, is spread across several states in Eastern and Central India, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and parts of Maharashtra, among others.

2) Ideological Differences: The insurgencies in the North-East are driven by a complex range of ethnic, tribal, and separatist aspirations, seeking autonomy or independence from the Indian state. These groups often have specific demands related to ethnic identity, regional autonomy, and resource control. On the other hand, Naxalism in eastern India is rooted in Maoist ideology, aiming to overthrow the Indian state and establish a communist regime.

3) Motivation and Grievances: In the North-East, the insurgent groups are primarily motivated by historical and ethnic grievances, including issues related to identity, language, culture, and territorial disputes. Some groups seek to protect their unique cultural heritage, while others aspire for independence based on historical claims. In contrast, Naxalismin eastern India emerged as a response to perceived socio-economic inequalities, land disputes, exploitation, and the marginalization of rural populations.

4) Operational Tactics: The insurgent groups in the North-East often rely on guerrilla warfare tactics, ambushes, and sporadic attacks to assert their demands or disrupt governance. They frequently target security forces, government infrastructure, and symbols of Indian authority. Naxalites in eastern India, on the other hand, adopt a protracted people’s war strategy, involving armed attacks, landmine blasts, and organized assaults on security forces and government installations.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for formulating effective strategies to address the root causes, facilitate dialogue, promote development, and ensure lasting peace and stability in these regions.

Positive aspects of 6th schedule in satisfying tribal aspirations and preventing conflicts in the region:

1) Protection of tribal identity and culture: The 6th Schedule safeguards the distinct identity and culture of tribal communities. It empowers the ADCs to preserve and promote the social, cultural, and traditional practices of the tribes. This provision has played a vital role in protecting the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous communities in the region.

2) Autonomy and self-governance: The 6th Schedule provides a degree of autonomy to the tribal areas, allowing them to have their own local governance institutions known as autonomous district councils (ADCs). These ADCs have the power to make laws on a range of subjects and administer the areas under their jurisdiction. This arrangement enables tribal communities to have a say in decision-making processes and ensures that their specific needs and aspirations are addressed.

3) Land and resource rights: The 6th Schedule provides certain safeguards for land and resource rights of the tribal communities. It prohibits the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals without the consent of the ADCs. This provision has helped protect tribal lands from encroachment and exploitation, thereby ensuring the socio-economic well-being of the tribes.

Challenges and limitations of 6th schedule in satisfying tribal aspirations and preventing conflicts in the region:

1) Insufficient implementation: While the 6th Schedule provides a framework for tribal autonomy, the actual implementation has been inconsistent. There have been instances where the provisions of the Schedule have not been effectively enforced, leading to discontent and grievances among tribal communities.

2) Lack of resources and development: Many areas under the 6th Schedule continue to face challenges related to infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic development. The autonomy granted by the Schedule does not always translate into adequate resources and support from the central and state governments. This has hindered the overall progress and well-being of tribal communities.

3) Conflicts and tensions: Despite the existence of the 6th Schedule, conflicts and tensions have persisted in some parts of the North East Indian region. Historical, ethnic, and territorial issues, as well as disputes over resources, have occasionally led to violence and unrest. The Schedule alone cannot completely eliminate conflicts but can help in mitigating them.

Thus, while the 6th Schedule has made significant contributions to tribal empowerment, the extent to which it has satisfied tribal aspirations and prevented conflicts in the North East Indian region varies. It has provided a framework for self-governance and protection of tribal identity and culture, but challenges related to implementation, resource allocation, and unresolved conflicts remain. Efforts should continue to address these challenges and ensure that the 6th Schedule is effectively utilized to meet the aspirations of tribal communities and promote peace and development in the region.