Why in the News?
INS Tushil, a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, is set to be commissioned by the Indian Navy at Kaliningrad, Russia.
About INS Tushil:
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Development of INS Tushil:
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Subject: Internal Security
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Commissioning of INS TUSHIL
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[2nd December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Research security should be a national priority
PYQ Relevance:
Q) Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats. (UPSC CSE 2021)Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have focused on ‘Cyber Security’ (in 2022), and ‘Maritime Secuirty’ (2021).
India ranks fourth globally in defense spending, behind only the United States, China, and Russia in terms of military budget allocation. To maintain its ranking and achieve its development objectives by 2047, India must invest more in research frameworks.
Today’s editorial emphasizes the critical importance of enhancing research security, by taking an example of the United States as a means to protect national interests while fostering innovation and international collaboration. This content can be used as a successful case study to represent in your mains examination.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recently, the US Government has come up with defense and security developments, particularly in the form of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) new TRUST framework.
- Research security has emerged as a pressing concern in the context of India’s national security too, particularly as global collaborations in science and technology increase.
What measures are being implemented to enhance research security in India?
The MeitY is developing infrastructure for advanced R&D in cybersecurity to promote indigenous skills and capabilities.
- Technology Security Initiative with the UK: India has partnered with the United Kingdom to launch the Technology Security Initiative (TSI). This focuses on emerging technologies across sectors like telecommunications, semiconductors, AI, and biotech.
- National Cyber Security Policy 2013: It serves as a comprehensive framework for enhancing the protection of India’s cyberspace by encouraging R&D in cyber security to develop technologies tailored to national needs. This framework has set up mechanisms like the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) to address cyber threats
- Digital Personal Data Protection Bill (DPDPB) 2023: It includes the passage of the legislative measures, which aim to establish regulations for data processing entities to safeguard personal data and enhance privacy.
CASE STUDY:
The TRUST Framework (U.S.)The NSF has introduced the Trusted Research Using Safeguards and Transparency (TRUST) framework to assess grant proposals for potential national security risks. This initiative is designed to protect taxpayer investments in research while promoting beneficial international collaborations. The framework comprises three branches:
1. Personnel Assessment: Evaluating active personnel appointments and positions.
2. Compliance Monitoring: Identifying instances of noncompliance with disclosure requirements.
3. National Security Considerations: Incorporating foreseeable national security risks into research assessments.
Rebecca Keiser, head of the NSF’s Office of Research Security Strategy and Policy, emphasized that while it is essential to mitigate risks, the U.S. must continue to lead in science and innovation without succumbing to an overly cautious compliance culture.Why is research security essential for national defense?
- Protection Against Foreign Influence: Foreign governments and entities often seek to exploit academic research for military and strategic advantages.
- This exploitation can manifest in various forms, including intellectual property theft, sensitive data, and technological innovations.
- The Department of Defense (DoD) has highlighted concerns regarding foreign interference that jeopardizes the integrity of National research, necessitating robust security measures to safeguard against these threats.
- Safeguarding National Interests: Research contributes significantly to national defense capabilities and technological advancements.
- The National Science Foundation (NSF) emphasizes that maintaining a secure research environment is crucial for fostering innovation while mitigating risks associated with foreign influence and espionage.
- Enhancing Readiness and Capability: Defense research provides insights into emerging technologies and potential threats, allowing for informed decision-making regarding national defense strategies.
- As noted in various reports, a decline in defense-related research funding can adversely affect a nation’s ability to respond to evolving security challenges.
- Compliance with Legislative Mandates: Recent legislative initiatives, such as the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 and National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33), mandate that federal funding agencies implement research security programs to protect federally funded research from foreign interference.
- These policies require institutions receiving significant federal funding to certify that they have established effective research security measures.
What are the challenges faced by Security Research Frameworks in India?
- Fragmentation of Efforts: Despite numerous initiatives, India’s approach to cybersecurity remains fragmented, due to insufficient collaboration among various stakeholders that hinder effective implementation of security measures.
- Shortage of Skilled Personnel: There is a significant gap in the availability of trained cybersecurity professionals. Further, the government’s inability to address emerging threats promptly due to a lack of expertise in critical areas like cyber forensics and incident response.
- Vulnerability of Critical Infrastructure: India’s critical infrastructure, such as power grids and communication networks, is susceptible to cyber-attacks, posing risks to national security. High-profile incidents, like the attempted attack on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, highlight these vulnerabilities.
- Evolving Threat Landscape: The rapid evolution of cyber threats, including advanced persistent threats (APTs) and state-sponsored cyber espionage, complicates the security landscape. APTs have sophisticated attacks that are hard to identify and counteract effectively.
How can collaboration between researchers and government agencies improve research integrity?
- Establishing Clear Guidelines and Standards: Collaborative efforts allow researchers and government agencies to develop clear guidelines for ethical research practices. Different governments can provide frameworks that outline expectations for research conduct, helping to prevent misconduct.
- Enhancing Risk Management: Working together enables a systematic approach to identifying and managing risks associated with research activities.Government agencies can help incorporate security measures into research protocols to mitigate risks related to foreign interference and data breaches.
- Facilitating Training and Capacity Building: Government partnerships can enhance the training of researchers in best practices for maintaining integrity. Different agencies/stakeholders can offer educational materials and training programs focused on ethical research conduct and compliance with regulations.
- Encouraging Transparency and Accountability: Collaborative frameworks can include mechanisms for reporting misconduct or conflicts of interest, ensuring issues are addressed promptly.
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[pib] Exercise CINBAX
Why in the News?
The 1st edition of the Joint Table Top Exercise, CINBAX, between the Indian Army and the Cambodian Army commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Pune.
Note: Aspirants must not get confused with Exercise SIMBEX, which is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Singapore. About Exercise CINBAX:
Details - 1st edition of CINBAX is a Joint Table Top Exercise between the Indian Army and Cambodian Army.
- Focuses on conducting joint Counter Terrorism (CT) operations under UN Chapter VII.
Objectives - Enhance trust and camaraderie between the Indian and Cambodian armies.
- Improve joint operational efficiency in peacekeeping operations.
- War-game Counter Terrorism (CT) operations and explore strategies in cyber warfare, hybrid warfare, and other military tactics.
Features of Exercise - 20 personnel from both the Indian and Cambodian Army contingents.
- 3 phases: Preparation and Orientation, Table Top Exercises, and Finalization of Plans.
- Focus on Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), and the use of force multipliers in sub-conventional operations.
- Showcase of indigenous weapons and equipment promoting ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance in defence production).
PYQ:
[2024] Which of the following statements about the Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 is/ are correct?
- This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
- It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
- Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
- Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.
Select the answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
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[29th November 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Armed insurrection to parliamentary politics
PYQ Relevance:
Q) Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats. (UPSC CSE 2021)Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have previously focused on ‘internal security’ as well as ‘external impacts on the political security’ of India (in 2021).
India ranked 4th out of 159 countries on the Global Terrorism Index, indicating a high level of internal conflict and the presence of various extremist groups.
Today’s editorial explores the complex transition of armed groups into formal political entities within democratic frameworks. This content can be used to put the ‘challenges and implications of transformations for broader political security and democratic landscape’.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Elections in Sri Lanka highlight a less noticeable trend, where left-wing revolutionary groups, once dedicated to armed struggle, are shifting toward democratic engagement.
- Some of the most prominent insurgencies, including Nepal’s Maoists, El Salvador’s Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN), and certain Marxist-Leninist groups within India, have pursued a new path by entering parliamentary politics.
- This shift reflects a pragmatic blend of ideological adaptation and responsiveness to changing political realities.
What are the challenges faced in India due to such groups?
• Security Threats: The Naxalite groups, which include the CPI-Maoist, have engaged in guerrilla warfare against state forces, leading to thousands of deaths among civilians and security personnel (esp in the “red corridor” across central and eastern India). These groups often establish control over remote areas, providing governance and social services while undermining state authority.
• Social and Economic Factors: The insurgency is fueled by deep-rooted issues such as poverty, land disputes, and social marginalization of tribal communities and Dalits. The government’s inability to address, this eventually allows the Naxalites to gain support from disenfranchised populations.
• Political Dynamics: The rise of right-wing politics in India has complicated the landscape for leftist movements. The ruling party’s policies may exacerbate existing tensions and hinder dialogue with Marxist-Leninist groups, making it difficult for the government to pursue peaceful resolutions. The government has launched several military operations, such as Operation Green Hunt, but these operations have often led to retaliatory violence and further entrenching the conflict rather than resolving it.What factors contribute to the successful transition of armed groups into parliamentary politics?
- Internal Cohesion and Leadership: A unified leadership and strong internal cohesion within the armed group are essential for navigating the transition. Leaders who are committed to the political process and can manage internal dissent play a critical role in guiding their groups through the transformation.
- Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR): The act of disarming can have significant psychological benefits, symbolizing a commitment to peace and civilian life, which is crucial for gaining public trust and acceptance.
- Successful transitions often involve effective DDR initiatives that facilitate the disarmament of combatants, their demobilization from armed groups, and their reintegration into civilian life.
- Favorable Peace Agreements: Agreements that include provisions for political participation, power-sharing arrangements, and recognition of the armed group’s role can create pathways for their transformation into political parties.
- For example, Nepal’s peace process allowed the Maoists to enter mainstream politics after disarming and participating in elections.
- Timing and Transitional Justice: Implementing transitional justice measures at right time helps address grievances and fosters reconciliation, which is vital for sustaining peace and encouraging political participation.
How do societal and political perceptions affect the integration of former insurgents into politics?
- Public Trust and Legitimacy: If society views them as legitimate political actors, it can facilitate their integration. Conversely, if they are seen as threats or remnants of violence, public resistance can hinder their political participation.
- For Example, in El Salvador, the FMLN’s transition from a guerrilla group to a political party was initially successful due to a peace agreement that garnered public support.
- Historical Grievances: Societal attitudes towards past injustices can also affect integration. If former insurgents are perceived as having fought against oppression, they may gain sympathy and support. However, unresolved grievances can lead to resentment and opposition.
- In Iraq, the Sunni population’s disenfranchisement after the fall of Saddam Hussein contributed to ongoing insurgency, as many felt excluded from the new political order.
- Narratives of Victimhood: Insurgent groups often cultivate narratives of victimhood to justify their actions and garner support. If these narratives resonate with societal sentiments, they can facilitate acceptance into political processes.
- However, if society perceives these narratives as manipulative or self-serving, it may lead to a backlash against former insurgents.
- State Response and Governance: If the government adopts an inclusive approach that encourages participation rather than exclusion or repression, it enhances the chances of successful integration. In contrast, heavy-handed state responses can alienate former combatants and push them back towards militancy.
CASE STUDIES:
• Nepal: The Maoist party transitioned into a legitimate political entity after a decade-long civil war, aided by a comprehensive peace agreement that included provisions for their participation in governance.
• Colombia: The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a peace deal in 2016 that allowed them to transition into a political party. While initially successful, their integration has faced challenges due to ongoing violence and societal skepticism towards their motives.
• South Sudan: Former SPLA members have struggled with integration into formal politics due to ongoing conflict and societal divisions exacerbated by ethnic tensions.Conclusion: The willingness of the government to engage with former insurgents, and the role of external actors—play a crucial role in shaping the environment for successful political participation. For example, Colombia’s FARC’s transition into a political party post-peace agreement illustrates how supportive frameworks can aid integration, while ongoing societal skepticism presents challenges.
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[23rd November 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Understanding the changing face of extremist violence
PYQ Relevance:
Q) Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism. (UPSC CSE 2022)Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have always focused on ‘Left Wing Extremism’ (2023), ‘Growth of Naxalism, and Radicalization’ (2022 and 2024).
The SATP report notes an increase in Maoist activities across 12 states, highlighting a rise from 10 states in 2022. Despite claims of declining violence due to the National Policy and Action Plan (NPAP), challenges remain.
But Why? What is the root cause?
Today’s editorial talks about the significance of vigilance and adaptability in combating extremist violence. This content can be used for ‘Rising Radicalization and Terrorism in India’.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
At the end of COP 29 in Baku (Azerbaijan), India will push for ambitious climate mitigation financing from developed nations. At the same time, India is at a critical juncture in its environmental and public health journey.
What are the key observations from the early post-independence history?
• The India-Pak partition in 1947 resulted in one of the largest mass migrations (14 to 18 million people displaced) that led to widespread communal violence, resulting in approximately one million deaths across religious communities. This continues to affect India-Pakistan relations even today.
• Further, under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the government employed a combination of negotiations and military action to integrate these states into the Indian Union. For example, Hyderabad through Operation Polo and Junagadh’s accession following a plebiscite.
• The new Indian government emphasized secularism as a foundational principle, and the Constitution adopted a framework for democracy and civil rights while promoting equality among all citizens. The practice of untouchability was abolished, and reservations were implemented for marginalized communities.
o But in the immediate years, agricultural productivity was low, exacerbated by droughts and inadequate infrastructure.
o The government recognized the need for economic reforms to uplift the agrarian sector and improve living conditions.
• This period (1950s-1960s) also witnessed the emergence of political movements addressing regional aspirations and demands for statehood, such as the formation of Andhra Pradesh following widespread protests after the death of Potti Sriramulu during a hunger strike.How has the nature of extremist violence evolved in the digital age?
- Increased Accessibility and Propagation: The internet has made extremist content more accessible than ever before. Individuals can easily find and engage with violent extremist materials online, which contributes to normalization and desensitization to radical ideas.
- Social media platforms have become critical tools for extremists to disseminate their messages and recruit new members.
- Research shows that social media played a role in the radicalization processes of nearly 90% of extremists in certain datasets between 2005 and 2016. It allows individuals to radicalize without physical contact, often leading to what is termed “lone actor terrorism”.
- Use of Disinformation Tactics: Extremists have increasingly created echo chambers where their ideologies are reinforced without challenge. Right-wing extremists, in particular, have been noted to benefit from such tactics more than other groups, utilizing disinformation campaigns to further their agendas.
- Role of Anonymity and Encryption: Encrypted messaging apps and decentralized platforms enable them to communicate securely, share resources, and organize activities without attracting attention from law enforcement. This shift has made it more challenging for authorities to monitor and counteract.
- Gaming Platforms: Emerging trends show that gaming platforms are being leveraged by extremists as new venues for recruitment and radicalization. These environments allow for interaction with potential recruits in less scrutinized settings, where extremist ideologies can be presented in a more palatable manner.
What are the reasons behind the rise of new forms of extremist violence?
- Socio-Political Factors: Ongoing geopolitical issues and perceived injustices within the country and the society, fuel extremist sentiments. Economic disparities and social inequalities drive individuals towards extremist ideologies.
- Recruitment and Exploitation: Extremist groups generally prefer these isolated individuals, particularly children and youth, for recruitment.
- Hybridization of Extremist Ideologies: Individuals combine various ideologies and conspiracy theories, creating complex motivations for violence. Their narratives are often tailored to personal experiences and grievances faced by the Indian society.
- Covert Operations: Digital Encryption allows extremists to communicate and organize without detection. For Example, increased incidents of individuals committing violence independently, often using online resources for planning.
What strategies can be implemented to effectively counteract extremist violence?
- Community Engagement and Empowerment: Engage local communities through initiatives that foster trust between law enforcement and community members. Ensure that community engagement efforts are broad-based and inclusive, addressing all forms of ideologically motivated violence.
- Education and Awareness Programs: Implement educational initiatives that promote respect for diversity, human rights, and critical thinking skills among youth. This can help counteract extremist narratives and reduce susceptibility to radicalization.
- Countering Online Radicalization by PPP: The government can collaborate with technology companies to develop tools that can help identify and counter extremist content online while respecting privacy rights.
- Socio-Economic Development: Focus on socio-economic development by offering effective alternatives to violence for at-risk groups. This includes enhancing participatory decision-making processes and strengthening local governance to address the root causes of discontent that can lead to radicalization.
- Increased Accessibility and Propagation: The internet has made extremist content more accessible than ever before. Individuals can easily find and engage with violent extremist materials online, which contributes to normalization and desensitization to radical ideas.
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Project Veer Gatha 4.0
Why in the News?
Over 1.76 crore school students participated in Project Veer Gatha 4.0, sharing creative tributes to the bravery and sacrifice of Armed Forces personnel.
About Project Veer Gatha:
Details About • Launched in 2021 to honor the acts of bravery and selfless sacrifice of Gallantry Awardees.
• 1.76 crore students from 36 states and UTs participated.
• Conducted annually since its inception, with increasing participation:
• First Edition (2021): 8 lakh students, Second Edition (2022): 19.5 lakh students, Third Edition (2023): 1.36 crore students.Aims and Objectives • Instill patriotism and national pride among students.
• Spread awareness about the heroic contributions of Gallantry Awardees.
• Foster creativity through various forms of artistic expression.
• Promote national unity and pride across India’s diverse school system.
• Enhance knowledge about unsung heroes and military heritage.Features of the Program • Creative content submissions, including poems, paintings, essays, and videos.
• 100 national-level winners annually, with a ₹10,000 cash prize and recognition by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Defence.
• District and state awards for outstanding students.
• Educational outreach programs by the Ministry of Defence to engage students.
• Digital submission via the MyGov portal, making the process inclusive and easy for wide participation.
• Focus on both famous Gallantry Awardees and unsung heroes.PYQ:
[2024] Operations undertaken by the Army towards upliftment of the local population in remote areas to include addressing of their basic needs is called:
(a) Operation Sankalp
(b) Operation Maitri
(c) Operation Sadbhavana
(d) Operation Madad
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India and Japan sign agreement for UNICORN masts for naval warships
Why in the News?
India and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) for the co-development and co-production of the UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) mast for Indian Naval warships.
What is the UNICORN Mast?
- The UNICORN Mast is an advanced antenna system designed to enhance the stealth and operational capabilities of naval warships.
- It was developed through collaboration between three Japanese companies: NEC Corporation, Sampa Kogyo K.K., and The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
- It will be co-developed in India by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
- It consolidates multiple antennas, typically attached separately to a mast, into a single radar dome (radome).
- By reducing the cross-sectional visibility of the mast, UNICORN significantly minimizes the electronic signatures of warships, making them harder to detect.
- This technology is already in use on Mogami-class frigates in the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force.
Objectives behind the Mission:
- Enhance Naval Stealth: Improve stealth by reducing electronic and radar signatures.
- Strengthen Defence Ties: Foster India-Japan collaboration in co-developing advanced defence systems.
- Increase Operational Efficiency: Improve radar and communication for better detection and readiness.
- Promote Indigenous Development: Support India’s self-reliance in defence tech with BEL involvement.
Significance of this Mission:
- Japan’s first defence tech export to India under the 2015 agreement.
- Equips Indian Navy warships with advanced stealth technology.
- Enhances regional maritime security and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.
- Promotes technology sharing and innovation in India’s defence sector, boosting indigenous production.
PYQ:
[2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?
(a) Amphibious warfare ship
(b) Nuclear-powered submarine
(c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier -
Operation Sagar Manthan
Why in the News?
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has initiated Operation Sagar Manthan to dismantle the extensive drug empire of Haji Salim, also known as the “Lord of Drugs”.
About Operation Sagar Manthan
Details About the Operation • An initiative by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to dismantle the drug trafficking network led by Haji Salim.
• Launched under the direction of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
• A comprehensive crackdown on Salim’s syndicate linked to narco-terrorism.Aims and Objectives • Break supply lines, seize narcotics, and arrest operatives.
• Disrupt funding for cross-border terrorism.
• Strengthen surveillance in remote coastal areas used by the syndicate.
• Counter aid from entities like Pakistan’s ISI and disrupt links with figures like Dawood Ibrahim.Goals • Reduce cartel influence in the Indian Ocean region.
• Mitigate narco-terrorism to enhance regional security.
• Improve maritime security to prevent future networks.Why does the government crack down on drug trafficking?
- Public Health Protection: Drug trafficking fuels addiction, mental health issues, and diseases, straining healthcare systems and undermining societal well-being.
- National Security and Social Stability: It funds organized crime, terrorism, and violence, destabilizing communities, weakening governance, and hindering law and order.
PYQ:
[2023] Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism.
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Centre reimposes AFSPA in 6 ‘volatile’ regions
Why in the News?
Eighteen months after ethnic violence began in Manipur, the Central government has reinstated the Disturbed Areas status under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six police station jurisdictions, including the affected area of Jiribam.
Present map
What is the historical background?
- The original ordinance (AFSPA) was a response to the challenges faced by the British during World War II, particularly by Indian Nationalists.
- After independence, Indian leaders retained and adapted this framework, facing their internal security challenges.
- PM Jawaharlal Nehru decided to continue with the law due to escalating insurgencies in regions like Assam and Manipur.
- The Armed Forces (Assam and Manipur) Special Powers Ordinance was promulgated on May 22, 1958, and subsequently replaced by the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act on September 11, 1958.
- Initially, AFSPA was applied to the Naga Hills and surrounding insurgent areas to empower armed forces to restore order in “disturbed areas”.
- Over the years, AFSPA has been extended to various other states facing similar issues, including Manipur, Assam, and parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
What is the significance of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, of 1958?
- Extraordinary Powers: AFSPA grants armed forces significant powers, including the authority to arrest without a warrant, search premises, and use lethal force if deemed necessary. These powers are intended to facilitate military operations in volatile regions.
- Legal Immunity: The Act provides immunity from prosecution for armed forces personnel acting under its provisions unless sanctioned by the central government. This aspect has led to widespread criticism and allegations of human rights abuses.
- Controversy and Criticism: AFSPA has been a subject of intense debate due to its implications for civil liberties. Critics argue that it leads to extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations. High-profile incidents have fueled calls for its repeal or reform, with activists like Irom Sharmila famously protesting against it for years.
Which are the States where AFSPA is presently in effect?
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is currently in effect in several states across India, primarily in regions experiencing ongoing insurgency or civil unrest. These are Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland (eight districts), Arunachal Pradesh (three districts), and parts of Assam, Manipur (excluding the Imphal municipal area).
What is the present controversy around the provisions of AFSPA?
- Human Rights Violations: AFSPA has been associated with numerous human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances.
- Reports indicate that over 1,500 extrajudicial killings occurred in Manipur alone between 2000 and 2012, often involving security forces acting with impunity due to the protections afforded by the Act.
- Impunity for Security Forces: This Act provides armed forces personnel with legal immunity for actions taken under its provisions, requiring prior approval from the central government for prosecution.
- This has led to a culture of impunity (exemption from punishment) where security personnel are rarely held accountable for their actions, exacerbating public distrust and resentment towards the military.
- Excessive Use of Force: AFSPA grants security forces broad powers to use lethal force against individuals deemed to be acting against the law.
- Critics argue that this provision leads to excessive and disproportionate responses, often resulting in civilian casualties and further violence in already tense regions.
- Lack of Accountability and Oversight: The absence of effective mechanisms for accountability regarding human rights violations under AFSPA has been a significant concern.
- Despite recommendations from various committees for reforms or repeal of the Act, the government has largely ignored these calls, perpetuating a cycle of abuse without adequate oversight.
- Political and Social Backlash: The ongoing application of AFSPA has sparked significant protests and activism, particularly in northeastern states like Manipur and Nagaland.
- Activists, including prominent figures like Irom Sharmila, have campaigned for its repeal, arguing that it fosters alienation among local populations and undermines democratic values in India.
Way forward:
- Balancing Security with Rights: Reform AFSPA to incorporate provisions ensuring accountability and oversight, such as independent inquiries into alleged violations and regular reviews of its application, while retaining necessary powers to address security challenges.
- Strengthening Local Governance: Enhance the capacity of state police and local administrations through training and resources, enabling them to manage law and order effectively, thereby reducing reliance on AFSPA over time.
Mains PYQ:
Q Human rights activists constantly highlight the fact that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human rights abuses by security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists? Critically evaluate the requirement regarding the view held by the Apex Court. (UPSC IAS/2015)
- The original ordinance (AFSPA) was a response to the challenges faced by the British during World War II, particularly by Indian Nationalists.
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Exercise ‘Poorvi Prahar’
Why in the News?
The Indian Army is conducting a high-intensity tri-services exercise named Poorvi Prahar from November 10 to 18 in Arunachal Pradesh’s forward areas.
About Exercise ‘Poorvi Prahar’
- It is a joint effort of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to improve combat effectiveness for Integrated Joint Operations in challenging mountainous terrain.
- It features a broad range of advanced military platforms:
- Aircraft and Helicopters: Includes fighter aircraft, reconnaissance platforms, Chinook helicopters, and the Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra).
- Artillery: Deployment of M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers.
- Capabilities: These assets provide high mobility, firepower, and precision suited to the region’s tough terrain.
- Significance:
- It emphasizes the Indian Armed Forces’ readiness to conduct multi-domain operations across land, air, and sea, reinforcing India’s strategic deterrence capabilities in the region.