One may find a crucial link between the ‘INTERNAL SECURITY’ and ‘NATIONAL GOVERNANCE’. If internal security is not observed then effective governance cannot be delivered. All these Threats Unity & Integrity of the nation. Maintenance of internal security is one of the biggest challenges.

 INDIA’S INTERNAL SECURITY CHALLENGES

 JAMMU & KASHMIR SITUATION: As I am listening from childhood, in J&K terrorist attacks happen most of the time. Government abrogated the Article 370 in 2019 which resulted in chaos among people. Some favored it while others opposed it as they think it is an abrogation of the right of the people of J&K. Many supported this as they consider it was a right step being taken by the government. A favorable response was observed in recent elections held in J&K as there was peace and 51% voting even during this pandemic which shows a good sign. WHY J&K BEING A PART OF INDIA has a separate Constitution, a state flag, and autonomy of internal administration. There needs to be equality.

CHINA’S INVOLVEMENT: China is not an exception. In April 2020, the Chinese surprised India with major incursions in the eastern Ladakh region, at high altitude, Galway river valley. The root cause proves to belong to the disputed border. Both nations compete to build infrastructure along the border known as THE LINE OF ACTUAL CONTROL . Mac Mohan line tends to be the official legal border between both countries although china has never accepted it. Thus, China seems to be the biggest threat to India’s internal security.

TERRORISM: Terrorism has been a threat not only to India’s democracy but to the whole world. It affects each and every sphere of human life i.e,(economic or political, or social life). The major impact of Terrorism is physical destruction. It negatively affects the Indian economy. It is the major root cause of other problems. The best way to isolate and defeat terrorism is by respecting human rights, fostering social justice, enhancing democracy, and upholding the primacy of the rule of law.

THE NORTH-EASTERN ETHNIC ARMED INSURGENCIES: North-East India comprises eight states of India namely SIKKIM and the ‘SEVEN SISTER STATES’ (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya). Diversity is being seen as people of these states think themselves differently from the people of India. The main causes of disparity are:

• SENSE OF ISOLATION

• DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES

• LACK OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

• INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT

• EXTERNAL SUPPORT

• DEPRIVATION AND EXPLOITATION

As we know INDIA is a country with ‘UNITY IN DIVERSITY' but still differences exist between borders which pose to be a security threat for the nation. NAXALISM: It is a far-left radical communist who supports Maoists' political sentiment and ideology. Initially, the movement started in West Bengal and slowly the movement spread across Eastern India. It has rapidly found roots among displaced tribes . Factors such as growing inter & intraregional disparities, lack of implementation of tribal policies, industrialization, and land reforms are mainly responsible for the growth of Naxalism.

THE POSITIVE PART is that left-wing extremism has been steadily improving over the years but Naxal violence has not yet completely eliminated.

SOCIAL UNREST: Social unrest generally arises from social exclusion, inequality, and economic distress. It can be further intensified by Social media. As of now, we know social media is useful as it keeps us updated but on the other hand it influences major riots and thus promotes disparities. During COVID times,Various migrant laborers returned to their homes. This social media provokes them against the government and other sections of society. The contrast between rich & poor gets intensified as a result of which diversity is hampered. Also because of this Social-Media nowadays religious identity is becoming the primary defining characteristic of individuals and political affiliations are equated to nationalism. This is a threat to India's internal security.

ILLICIT USE OF CYBERSPACE: Online criminals pose a danger to the internal security of the nation as sometimes they are associated with terrorist groups and hostile governments. Hackers hack economic institutions and government websites. By this illicit use, secretive information related to defense and other internal matters gets hacked which ultimately poses threat to the internal security of the nation.

UNITY IN DIVERSITY: India is a country of Unity in diversity but financially & socially we are divided which leads to frustration and threats to the internal security of India. The need is that the government should make proper policies so as to strengthen this concept.

SOLUTIONS

I think the time has come to adopt proactive methods of confining the threats to internal security. The various measures are as under:

• STRATEGIC PROGRAMMES AGAINST SECURITY THREATS need to be adopted.

• Chief Ministers of the states are required to work in consonance with the Union government, to curb these threats should be the collective responsibility of both.

• Good Governance is the prime requirement everywhere. It is evident from the state of affairs that in J&k and northeast states, policy implementation, rejuvenating the administration, and security management are essential ingredients of good governance.

• Development of areas affected by terrorism must be the key priority of the government.

• Desire TO GO MORE THAN HALFWAY to negotiate settlements with dissatisfied groups must be promoted.

• The prevention of ‘MONEY LAUNDERING’ is also essential for safeguarding internal security.

• Dire need is that the effectiveness of NARCOTICS CONTROL BUREAU must be enhanced to deplete the use of drugs which ultimately drop -down the terrorism in the country.

• From time -to time Watch on visible and invisible MAOISTS source of finance and channels of procuring weapons must be made.

• The concept of ‘CHALLENGE STATUS QUO’ Should be promoted