MAJOR INTERNAL SECURITY CONCERNS IN THE COUNTRY CENTRE AROUND
PAK SPONSORED TERRORISM IN J&K
The major
internal security concerns in the country centred around Pak-sponsored
terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir, inter-linked and externally
supported subversive activities of militant groups in the North-East
and the violence perpetrated by the Left-Wing extremist groups
in some States during 2001-02. The situation triggered off in
the neighbourhood of the country as a consequence of terrorist
attacks in the USA has added a new dimension to the internal security
scenario says the Annual Report of the Home Ministry for the year.
The use of aircraft as "precision bombs", multiple attacks and
the meticulous planning by terrorists demonstrate the huge potential
and insidious reach of modern terrorism. Trends in terrorism also
point to incremental use of suicide bombers. In target selection,
the emphasis has shifted from primarily civilian to military-sensitive
targets and symbols of national honour. The attacks on the J&K
Assembly and on Parliament House by Pak-based or supported terrorist
groups, viz, Jaish-e-Mohammad/Lashkar-e-Taiba is yet another grim
development in this direction. Suicide attacks in quick succession
in two different parts of the world highlight the sinister linkages
amongst different terrorist groups operating from Pakistan-Afghanistan
region. The spectre of bio-terrorism has also become a reality
in the world. India has not remained untouched by the ‘anthrax’
scare. Use of other weapons of mass destruction cannot be ruled
out from the realm of possibility, if they find their way into
irresponsible hands. Attacks on economic nerve centres can also
have a crippling impact.
In the
wake of the 11th September attacks in USA, the State
Government/Union territory Administrations have been advised to
strengthen security around the vital installations, the Report
said. Review of VVIP security has been undertaken and Security
of airports, aircraft etc. has been strengthened. The State Governments
have been requested to gear up collection of intelligence with
regard to sabotage, subversive activities and attempts to disturb
communal harmony. They have also been advised to keep contingency
plans in readiness to deal with any eventuality.
Jammu
& Kashmir has been caught in the vortex of militancy for over
a decade. During this period, the militancy has changed its hue
and character. Initially, it was characterised by rise of pro-Azadi
groups. In its second phase, pro-Pak groups took command of militancy
in the State. In the current phase, from 1996-97 onwards, foreign
mercenaries have gradually taken over the mantle of terrorism
marginalising the local militants. It is estimated that about
60% of the militants operating in the State today are from outside.
The
militancy in the State has taken a toll of more than 27000 lives
including over 10000 civilians since 1990. It has also caused
enormous damage to the Kashmiri people and the economy. While
the security scenario in the year 2000 showed improvement, the
Pak ISI, through pro-Pak militant outfits, has been trying to
step up violence with a focus on demonstrative actions aimed at
demoralising/destabilising security forces and creating a communal
divide. In deference to the people’s yearning for peace, the Government
took a decision in November 2000 of Not Initiating Combat Operations
(NICO) against militants during the month of Ramzan. The NICO
period was extended more than once till May 2001. During this
period of peace initiative, the Pak-based and supported militant
outfits, primarily the Laskar-e-Taiba, Harkat-ul-Ansar and Jaish-e-Mohammad,
intensified their militant activities not only in Jammu &
Kashmir but also in other parts of the country to sabotage the
peace initiative, resulting in increased loss of innocent civilian
lives and those of Security Forces personnel. During the 185 days
of peace initiative, there were 2142 violent incidents and 597
militants were killed within J&K compared to 1672 violent
incidents and killing of 985 militants in the previous 185 days.
The number of civilians killed during this period witnessed substantial
increase. Injuries to Security Forces were alarmingly high, as
militants had stepped up fidayeen and other attacks on Security
Forces camps/convoys as well as security installations. Operations
were resumed by Security Forces in June 2001. During the month
of June and July, 2001, security forces killed 450 terrorists
and recovered huge amounts of arms, ammunition and explosives.
The
Security Forces continue to maintain a high state of alert and
are fully prepared to take on the militants, the Report says.
The multi-pronged strategy adopted by the Central Government conjointly
with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir continues to be in
place and also followed consistently.
Militancy
in the North-East is more than 50 years old. It continues to plague
Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura in varying degrees. The North-Eastern
region comprising Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya,
Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura account for 8.06% of land mass of
India and has a population 3 crore 85 lakhs (3.75% of the total
population of India). The demands of various militant groups in
this region vary from creation of separate States within North-East
in the Indian Union to secession from India. The North-East is
geo-politically most sensitive and the armed hostilities have
been consistently fueled from the trans-border bases across the
long and porous international border. Besides, the Pak backed
ISI has also been pursuing its evil designs by misguiding the
people and also by providing training and arms to militant outfits
in the region. The Central Government however, has categorically
rejected violence as an instrument of resolving differences. Therefore,
it has extended invitation to all those who have strayed from
the path of peace and togetherness and give up violence and come
forward for talks within the framework of the Constitution. Some
militant outfits have indeed come forward for peace talks by abjuring
the path of violence.
In
keeping with the Government’s commitment to accelerate the pace
of development in the North Eastern States, the Centre has created
a new Department namely the Department of Development of North-Eastern
Region headed by a Cabinet Minister. The North-Eastern States
are categorised as special category States where the Central funds
are given 90% as grant and 10% as loan. The Central Government
has also been reimbursing security related expenditure to the
North Eastern States since April 1, 1995.
The
Report further said that the quantum of Left-wing Extremist violence
particularly in pockets of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa,
Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh and Maharashtra witnessed an increase
for the first time since 1996. They tried to spread their tentacles
to other areas while continuing to indulge in violent activities
in their traditional strongholds. Apart from enlarging their gtherewith.eographical
spread, they also tried to militarize their cadres. Of the Left-wing
Extremist groups, the CPML-PW and MCC accounted for the highest
number of killings and violent incidents. They have also reportedly
forged their links with the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist)
to evolve a strategic alliance.
The
Government is determined, more than ever, to root out the scourge
of terrorism and militancy and to restore peace and normalcy in
the disturbed areas, it said. The enactment of the Prevention
of Terrorism Act, 2002 through an extra-ordinary Joint Session
of Parliament, clearly demonstrated the Government’s commitment.
The POTA, 2002 makes provisions for Prevention of and dealing
with terrorist activities and matters connected
therewith.
