DEFINITION

National security could be understood as

the ability of a nation to protect the survival or the existence of the nation

OR

the welfare of its people from multitude threats.

These threats endanger geographical, economic, political and socio-cultural interests of a Nation.

Further, security of a Nation is not restricted to only protecting territorial boundaries, but also
ensuring peaceful, non-discriminatory, technically sound and progressive society with good quality
of life.

National security could be broadly divided into External and Internal Security.

External security deals with external aggression by a foreign country.

Internal security, on the other hand, is more dynamic as it deals with threats from both state and
violent non state actors.

The main difference between state actors and non-state actors is that state actors are the ruling
governments of a state or country, while non-state actors are influential organizations or
individuals with the potential to influence the actions of state actors, but not affiliated with a state.

Non-state actors can be further divided into sub-state actors, Inter-governmental organisation
(Examples of IGOs include the United Nations, the World Health Organization, International Union
for Conservation of Nature, and NATO, violent political groups, criminal groups, and influential
individual figures.
In addition, natural calamities that endanger national interests is also part of Internal Security.

In Indian context, Secessionist movements (Secessionist movement refers to the advocacy of

separation or secession by a group or people from a larger political unit to which it belongs )in the
Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir, terrorist attacks by foreign and home grown terrorist, Infiltration
(Infiltration refers to the act of secretly entering, observing, or extracting sensitive information from a secure
system or network) illegal migration, and trafficking of arms and narcotics breaching the country’s
international borders are amongst the most significant challenges to India’s internal security.

Moreover, maintaining law and order is also a salient feature of internal security.

Thus, it could be said that, internal security is one aspect which is perhaps of even greater
importance than external security. This is primarily because in contemporary times destabilizing a
nation is easier by creating an internal security crisis rather than by engineering an external invasion,
therefore internal security has to be carefully taken care on all fronts, whether it is cross border
terrorism, cyber terrorism or organized crime, internal security concerns cannot be ignored at any
cost.
Meaning and Scope
Internal security is a very broad theme which can cover everything which threats to affect the lives
and properties of the citizens of the country.

It could range from law and order problems to aspects like environmental security to energy security
and economic security.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) under the government of India is the nodal agency which
handles matters related to internal security.

The Ministry of Home Affairs continuously

 monitors the internal security situation,

 issues appropriate advisories,
 shares intelligence inputs,
 extends manpower and financial support,
 guidance and expertise to the State Governments for maintenance of security, peace and
harmony without encroaching upon the constitutional rights of the States.

The main areas which are supervised by the MHA are as follows:

Terrorism and Counter-Radicalization Issues.

A large portion of the territory of India is affected by terrorism and insurgency, this includes
particularly the areas of the UT of J&K and that of the North Eastern states.

Counter-Radicalization Issues

Counter-radicalization refers to the efforts made by governments, law enforcement

agencies, and civil society to prevent individuals from being radicalized into extremist
ideologies that could lead to violence or terrorism. It focuses on identifying and addressing
the root causes of radicalization before individuals become fully radicalized and commit
violent acts.

Radicalization: Meaning & Process

Radicalization is the process by which individuals adopt extreme ideological beliefs that
justify violence or terrorism. Radicalisation refers to the process of an individual’s transformation
from a moderate, law-abiding citizen into an active, anti-state, violent extremist. This can happen
through religious, political, or social influences, and it often occurs in phases:

 Pre-Radicalization – A person is exposed to extremist ideologies through social

media, peer groups, or grievances.
 Self-Identification – The individual begins exploring extremist views and engaging
with radical networks.
 Indoctrination – The individual is convinced that violent action is necessary.
 Action/Violence – The person carries out extremist activities, including terrorist
attacks.

TYPES OF RADICALIZATION

1. Religious radicalization: This involves the adoption of extreme religious beliefs

and the use of violence to further those beliefs.

Examples

 Islamic Extremism: Groups like Indian Mujahideen (IM) have radicalized individuals
to carry out attacks, such as the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Online propaganda by global
terror groups like ISIS has also targeted Indian youth.

What is the Indian Mujahideen (IM)?

 IM is a homegrown terrorist organization that emerged in the mid-2000s as an

offshoot of the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). The Students Islamic
Movement of India (SIMI), proscribed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
1967, is an Islamist fundamentalist organization, which advocates the 'liberation of
India' by converting it to an Islamic land.

(something that has developed from something larger that already existed)

 It has been responsible for multiple bombings across Indian cities, including Delhi,
Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Pune.

 IM is known for serial blasts and urban terrorism, often targeting crowded public
places.

IM’s Role in the 2008 Mumbai Attacks?

Though IM was not directly involved in 26/11, it has ideological and operational
links to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and ISI, which masterminded the attacks.
Here’s how IM fits into the broader picture:

Possible Local Support

o There were suspicions that IM operatives may have provided logistical support to LeT
by helping with reconnaissance or safe houses.

Terrorist Ideology & Recruitment

 o IM shares a common goal with LeT: destabilizing India through terrorism and
communal violence.
o The radicalization networks that IM had built in India helped in recruiting young
individuals

Continued Attacks After 26/11

o While 26/11 was planned and executed by LeT, IM carried out subsequent terror
attacks in India, including:
 2008 Delhi Blasts (before 26/11)
 2010 Pune German Bakery Bombing
 2011 Mumbai Blasts
 2013 Hyderabad Blasts

 Hindu Extremism: Organizations like Bajrang Dal or certain factions within the
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have been accused of promoting communal
hatred, leading to incidents like the 2002 Gujarat riots.

The 2002 Gujarat riots were a series of violent incidents in the Indian state of Gujarat,
primarily targeting Muslims. The violence was triggered by the Godhra train burning
incident on February 27, 2002, in which 59 Hindu pilgrims returning from Ayodhya were
killed when the Sabarmati Express was set on fire. The fire was blamed on a Muslim mob,
which led to widespread retaliatory attacks against Muslims across Gujarat.

Key Events of the Riots:

1. Godhra Train Burning (Feb 27, 2002)

o A coach of the Sabarmati Express caught fire near Godhra station.
o 59 people, mostly Hindu pilgrims from Ayodhya, were killed.
o The cause of the fire remains debated, but it was officially blamed on a
Muslim mob.
2. Retaliatory Violence (Feb – May 2002)
o Large-scale riots erupted across Gujarat, particularly in Ahmedabad,
Vadodara, and rural areas.
o Thousands of Muslims were killed, homes and businesses were burned, and
places of worship were destroyed.
o Naroda Patiya and Gulbarg Society massacres were among the deadliest
incidents.
o Women were raped and brutalized in many cases.
3. Allegations of State Complicity
o The state government, led by then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi, was
accused of failing to control the violence.
o Reports suggested police inaction and possible complicity in attacks on
Muslims.
o The Supreme Court of India later called the government’s handling of the riots
"a failure of constitutional governance."
 4. Aftermath and Investigations
o Official figures estimated around 1,000–2,000 deaths, mostly Muslims, with
thousands displaced.
o The Special Investigation Team (SIT), set up by the Supreme Court, later
cleared Narendra Modi of involvement due to lack of evidence.
o Several politicians, police officers, and rioters were convicted in connection
with the violence, including Maya Kodnani and Babu Bajrangi.

Impact of the Riots:

o Modi was denied a U.S. visa in 2005 under the International Religious
Freedom Act, though the ban was lifted when he became India’s Prime
Minister in 2014.

The 2002 Gujarat riots remain one of the darkest and most controversial episodes in
modern Indian history

 Sikh Extremism: The Khalistan movement in the 1980s sought to create a separate
Sikh state, leading to violent clashes, including the assassination of Prime Minister
Indira Gandhi in 1984.

The Khalistan Movement – A Simple Explanation

The Khalistan Movement is a demand by some Sikhs for a separate country called
Khalistan, carved out of Punjab, India. While most Sikhs don’t support it today, the
movement was very strong in the 1980s and 1990s, leading to violence and conflict with the
Indian government.

How It Started – A Story

 After India became independent in 1947, Sikhs felt they were not given enough power.

 In 1973, Sikh leaders made a list of demands for more control over Punjab, but the
government didn’t fully agree.

 Some Sikhs, like Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, felt they needed to fight for their rights
and even a separate country.

The Turning Point – A Story of Conflict

In 1984, Bhindranwale and his supporters took shelter inside the Golden Temple, the holiest
Sikh shrine, with weapons. The Indian government saw this as a serious threat and sent the
army to remove them.

 This operation, called "Operation Blue Star", led to a deadly battle inside the
temple.
 Many people, including Bhindranwale, were killed, and the temple was damaged.
 Sikhs around the world were deeply hurt by this attack on their holy place.

Later that year, two Sikh bodyguards killed Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in revenge. This
led to anti-Sikh riots, where thousands of Sikhs were killed across India.

2. Political radicalization: This involves the adoption of extreme political views and
the use of violence to further those views.

Examples

 Maoist/Naxalite Movement: Originating in West Bengal in the 1960s, the movement

has spread to various states, advocating for the overthrow of the state through
armed rebellion. Attacks on security forces and infrastructure are common.

The Story of the Maoist/Naxalite Movement

A long time ago, in a village in West Bengal, poor farmers worked hard every day, but they
didn’t own any land. Rich landlords controlled everything and treated the farmers badly. The
farmers had no choice but to obey because the police and government didn’t help them.

One day, in 1967, a group of young men, led by Charu Majumdar and Kanu Sanyal, came
to the village of Naxalbari and said, "Why should the rich have everything? Let’s fight
for our land!" The farmers picked up weapons—bows, arrows, and old guns—and started
attacking the landlords. This was the beginning of the Naxalite Movement (named after
Naxalbari).

The Fight Grows Bigger

At first, the government sent police to stop the fight, but the idea of revolution had already
spread. More poor farmers and tribal people in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Andhra
Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra joined the fight. They believed they were fighting for
their rights.

But soon, the movement changed.

 The Naxalites (also called Maoists) started attacking police stations, government
offices, and railways.
  They set up their own government in some villages, collecting taxes and running
their own courts.
 Some innocent people also got caught in the violence.

The Indian government saw them as a big threat because they wanted to overthrow the
government.

The Government Fights Back

The government started a military operation called "Operation Green Hunt" (2009) to
destroy the Maoist camps.

 Many Maoist leaders were arrested or killed.

 The government also tried to help the tribal people by building schools, roads, and
hospitals, so they wouldn’t join the Maoists.
 Some Maoists surrendered and returned to normal life.

What’s Happening Now?

 The Maoist movement is much weaker than before, but it still exists in some forests
and villages.
 The government continues to fight them while trying to improve the lives of poor
people.

The Lesson

The Naxalite Movement started as a fight for justice but turned into a violent struggle. Today,
most people want peace, development, and jobs instead of guns and war.

 Separatist Movements: In Jammu & Kashmir, groups like Hizbul Mujahideen and
Lashkar-e-Taiba have promoted secession from India, resulting in prolonged conflict
and unrest.

3. Socio-Economic Radicalization: This involves the adoption of extreme social views

and the use of violence to further those views.
 Examples

 Anti-Reservation Protests: Movements against caste-based reservations, like those

by the Patidars in Gujarat or Jats in Haryana, have sometimes turned violent.

Big Anti-Reservation Protests in India

1. Patidar (Patel) Protest – Gujarat (2015-2016)

o Led by Hardik Patel, the Patidars (Patels) protested, demanding to be
included in the OBC category for reservations.
o Protests turned violent, with clashes between people and police.
o Many vehicles, buildings, and public property were damaged.
2. Jat Protest – Haryana (2016)
o The Jat community demanded OBC status to get reservations in government
jobs and colleges.
o The protests became violent, leading to burning of property, roadblocks,
and deaths.
o The government later agreed to give them some reservation benefits.
3. Maratha Protest – Maharashtra (2018)
o The Marathas, a powerful community in Maharashtra, demanded reservations
in government jobs.
o Millions protested peacefully, but some rallies turned violent.
o The Maharashtra government later passed a law giving them reservations.

 Farmer Agitations: Large-scale farmer protests, like the 2020-2021 protests against
farm laws, have seen radical elements advocating for extreme measures.

The Story of Farmer Protests

Imagine a group of farmers working hard in their fields every day. One day, the government
announces new farm laws, saying they will help farmers sell their crops more freely. But the
farmers worry, "What if big companies take control and we lose our income?" They
decide to protest, asking the government to cancel these laws.

The 2020-2021 Farmer Protests

 In 2020, the Indian government introduced three farm laws to change how crops are
bought and sold.
 Farmers, especially from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, feared these laws
would benefit big businesses and take away government-guaranteed prices (MSP)
for crops.
 They started a massive protest, setting up camps near Delhi’s borders for over a
year.
What Happened During the Protest?

 Peaceful Marches: Farmers blocked highways, held rallies, and demanded the laws
be repealed.
 Violent Clashes: On January 26, 2021 (Republic Day), some protesters broke
barricades and entered Delhi’s Red Fort, leading to clashes with police.
 Radical Elements: Some groups called for extreme actions, but most farmers
wanted peaceful solutions.

How Did It End?

 After a year of protests, in November 2021, the government repealed the farm
laws.
 Farmers celebrated but continued to demand better MSP guarantees and other
protections.

4. Ethnic and Regional Radicalization

Examples

 North-East Insurgencies: Groups like ULFA (United Liberation Front of Assam) and
NSCN (National Socialist Council of Nagaland) have sought independence or greater
autonomy for their regions, often resorting to violence.

The Saga of Northeast Insurgencies: A Story of Struggle, Conflict, and Hope

Once upon a time, in the beautiful but rugged landscapes of Northeast India, a region rich in
culture, traditions, and ethnic diversity, a storm was brewing. While the rest of India moved
towards development and progress after independence in 1947, many groups in the Northeast
felt ignored and alienated. They believed that their unique identities were not being
respected and that the Indian government was exploiting their resources without giving them
enough in return.

This growing frustration led to the birth of insurgent groups, some of the most notable being
the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) and the National Socialist Council of
Nagaland (NSCN). These groups were formed with a dream—to either gain independence
from India or to secure greater autonomy for their regions. But as history often shows,
when dialogue fails, violence takes its place.
The Rise of Insurgency: A Cry for Freedom

Nagaland’s Fight: The Birth of NSCN

The first sparks of rebellion ignited in Nagaland. The Naga people, with their distinct
traditions and customs, always felt different from the rest of India. Their leaders demanded a
separate country, believing they had little in common with the rest of the nation. This demand
led to the Naga National Council (NNC) launching an armed rebellion in the 1950s.

The Indian government, viewing this as a threat to national unity, sent its army to control the
situation. The conflict turned into a brutal war, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.
Villages were burned, families were torn apart, and fear gripped the Naga hills.

In the 1980s, a more radical faction called the National Socialist Council of Nagaland
(NSCN) was formed, aiming to create a sovereign Naga nation. The NSCN became infamous
for:

 Ambushing (To lie in wait, for the purpose of attacking by surprise) Indian Army convoys
 Kidnapping government officials
 Imposing ‘taxes’ (extortion) on businesses and civilians
 Smuggling weapons from foreign countries

However, over time, the NSCN split into two factions—NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K)—due to
internal rivalries. While one faction moved towards peace talks with the Indian government,
the other continued the armed struggle.

Assam’s Rebellion: The Rise of ULFA

Meanwhile, in Assam, another storm was rising. Many Assamese people felt that their land
was being overrun by outsiders and that their natural resources—especially oil and tea—
were being exploited by the central government without benefiting the local population.

In 1979, a group of young, angry men formed the United Liberation Front of Assam
(ULFA). Their goal? To make Assam an independent country, free from Indian rule.
ULFA started with protests, but soon, they picked up guns and began using violence to make
their voices heard.

They attacked police stations, bombed government buildings, and assassinated

politicians who opposed them. By the 1990s, ULFA had grown into a powerful force, with
training camps in Myanmar, Bangladesh, and even Pakistan. Their fighters were well-
armed and well-funded, thanks to extortion and foreign support.

A Land in Turmoil: Violence, Fear, and Suffering

The activities of insurgent groups like ULFA and NSCN led to a cycle of violence in the
Northeast:

 Civilians lived in fear, caught between militants and the Indian Army.
 Businesses shut down, unable to survive under constant extortion demands.
 Entire villages were displaced, as clashes between rebels and security forces intensified.

One of the darkest chapters came in 2008, when a series of coordinated bomb blasts rocked
Assam, killing over 80 people. It was suspected that ULFA was behind the attack, though
they denied it. The attack left the country in shock and pushed the government to take stricter
actions.

The Indian Army launched “Operation All Clear” in the early 2000s, targeting ULFA
camps in Assam and beyond. Many top ULFA leaders were arrested or killed, weakening the
movement. Meanwhile, in Nagaland, after decades of fighting, the NSCN (IM) entered into
peace negotiations with the Indian government, seeking a political solution instead of a
violent one.

The Road to Peace: Hope Amidst Conflict

Today, the situation in the Northeast is much better than before.

 Many insurgent groups, including parts of ULFA and NSCN, have signed peace agreements
with the Indian government.
 Efforts are being made to develop the region, with better roads, industries, and education
facilities.
 The government has granted special autonomy to some regions, allowing them to govern
themselves to some extent.

However, challenges remain. Some splinter groups still refuse to surrender, and occasional
violence continues.

Caste-Based Radicalization: Dalit movements have at times radicalized in response to

systemic oppression, as seen in clashes in Maharashtra and other states.

The Emergence of Dalit Radical Movements

The Dalit Panther Movement (1970s, Maharashtra)

In the early 1970s, inspired by the Black Panther movement in the United States, young
Dalit activists in Maharashtra established the Dalit Panthers. This movement was born out
of frustration over continued caste-based violence, economic inequality, and social
discrimination.

The objectives of the Dalit Panthers were:

  To combat caste atrocities and discrimination.
 To promote Dalit empowerment through political assertion and social awareness.
 To provide protection to Dalit communities facing violence from dominant caste groups.

While the movement initially pursued peaceful protests and legal activism, it gradually
adopted a more aggressive stance, leading to direct confrontations with casteist groups and
law enforcement. Clashes with upper-caste factions and the police often resulted in violent
street battles, arrests, and political crackdowns. By the 1980s, the Dalit Panther movement
declined, but its legacy continued to inspire future Dalit political mobilization.

The Bhima-Koregaon Incident (2018, Maharashtra)

A more recent instance of caste-based radicalization occurred during the 201st anniversary
of the Battle of Bhima-Koregaon in 2018. This battle, fought in 1818, holds historical
significance for Dalits as a symbol of resistance against caste oppression, as a British
regiment—comprising a large number of Dalit Mahar soldiers—defeated the upper-caste
Peshwa forces.

On January 1, 2018, as thousands of Dalits gathered to commemorate this historic event,

violent clashes erupted between Dalit groups and right-wing organizations. The unrest
resulted in:

 Widespread protests and violent confrontations across Maharashtra.

 Riots, road blockades, and economic disruptions in Mumbai and Pune.
 Legal action against several Dalit activists and intellectuals, accused of inciting
violence.