Security experts are calling on the government to deploy a cohesive response to internal security challenges, against the backdrop of the deadly attack on CRPF personnel on Monday in Chhattisgarh and unprecedented scenes of protests in Kashmir.
One senior official called it the “incoherence of policy” that has resulted in the worsening of the internal security situation, with violence levels in both Maoist-affected areas and Kashmir breaking new records in recent years.
In Chhattisgarh, for example, security personnel killed in 2017 is already 72, which is higher than the 67 in 2011, the highest in recent years. In Kashmir last year’s total casualties, 267, was the highest since 2010, and in 2017 already 64 people have been killed.
“Perversity of policy is resulting in the situation, in J&K very certainly,” said Ajai Sahni, Executive Director of the Institute for Conflict Management.
Dr. Sahni pointed out that Kashmir is now paying for the polarising campaigns of all key political parties. “PDP and for that matter NC have always pushed for soft separatists, and BJP pushes a Hindutva line. And when the rage and frustration expresses itself in violent campaigns, they ask why is Pakistan doing it,” he said.
In the case of Maoist violence, he blamed the Central government for the present situation. “This government has pulled back on a lot of Central government funding for Maoist-affected areas. There is a lack of sustained attention.”
A senior official pointed out that the fact that CRPF, India’s key counter insurgency force against Maoists and a key presence in Kashmir — does not have a full-time Director General for two months speaks volumes about the government.
Lieutenant General D.S. Hooda, who retired as the Northern Army Commander in 2016, said, “We are looking at these internal problems — LWE or Jammu and Kashmir — with a very narrow security-centric approach like how many terrorists killed and so on.”
“A whole of Government approach is required like reaching out, development, and political moves,” he said.
The military veteran said what the Army calls human terrain, such as ground conditions, impact of social media, radicalisation and so on — are not being taken on board for policy making.
In the case of naxal areas intelligence and equipment for paramilitary forces need to be urgently stepped up, the former Army commander said.
For many observers what is adding to the problem is the lack of informed debates in mass media. “No one is accountable, if you go by the public discourse. That is resulting in some kind of lethargy within the government,” a senior military officer pointed out.
