OBAMA; MAKE A NEW GLOBAL ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ORDER

(HARBINGER OF PEACE AND EQUALITY?)

Obama' 100 days in white will be completed within few weeks from now. Keeping his promise on various other issues, he has moved on the path to end hostilities with a number of Nations. It is being viewed as a good sign across the world. The age old strict restrictions against Cuba, the sole communist island, seems to have been easing. Obama is all set to sign a bill which will enable American-Cubans to visit Cuba once in a year in place of once in every three years. The upperlimits of remmittences is also likely to be enhanced. Now the American-Cubans can be able to stay there for more longer periods. The signing of this historic bill by Obama will be remembered as a milestone in the History of not only of USA but also of the whole north America. 

The history has taught us that the hostilities and acromony have paid nothing but hatred and devastations. The world and its constituents, the countries, cannot have a stereotype democracy, the democracy of American type. It has now proved beyond doubt the every country, small or big, weak or powerful, rich or poor, all like and love sovereignty and no one likes interference and infringement on his liberty. They fight back and fight to the last of their blood. 

Raul Castro and Fidel Castro along with common cubans have hailed this shift in policy of American but with a caution. Only time will tell that wheather it is a change of heart or simply a strategic retreat or a diplomatic manoevering.

In Afghanistan also, America is to start a fresh initiative. Making a huge departure from policy of Bush, Obama has the audacity to accept that they are not winning the war in this strife torn tribal territory. Making a U turn in the established policy based on proud and arrogance rather than realism, Obama has hinted to engage some Taliban's elements in dialogue. American can simply not afford to continue with this seemingly unending war in Afghanistan. Understanding the complexity of the geo-strategic composition of this region, Obama has rightly invited Iran to participate in a regional conference on Afghanistan scheduled in this month itself.

But, before this, USA will have to show sagacity on many fronts and in many areas. Intense hatred is one of the grotesque legacies Bush has left, which naturally and unfortunately Obama had to inherit,therefore this hatred has to go and sense of mutual trust has to usher in before any meaningful dialogue or excercise would start. 

Iran has reshaped its economy and foreign policy in such a way that it has become a power to reckon with. No arrangement in this region can be stable and long lasting without engaging Iran.

Obama has a long way to go on the way of reconciliation. Still there are so-called think-tanks and power lobbies in USA which enjoy immense influence on its policy framing comtemplation.

USA is also willing to 'reset'its relation with Russia. Hillary and Sargai Lavrov have meet in Geneva and have held discussions on various issues ranging from south asia to middle east. Afghanistan definitely would have been discussed. US has already solicited Russians help in maintaining supply routes into Afghanistan. Russia can play a vital role in arranging a dialogue with Taliban. Russians have a vast experience in this country as they too have had to face wrath of Islamic fundamentlaists both in Afghanistan as well as in Chechnya.

Obama's stand of North Korea will also have ramification on the geo-political situation in this region. The words like 'rogue states', 'axis of evil powers' etc have no place in diplomacy as it worsens and aggravates rather than mitigates the problems.

India has not yet been given that kind of importance by Obama administration as it deserves. The international war aganist terror, with Pakistan into centre of policy and activity has not yet proved very successful. End of hostilities in this region is a pre-requisite of peace process to succeed. Richard Holbrooke has paid a customary visit to India and gave some stereotyped statements blended with realpolitik diplomacy rather than seriousness. Even after 9/11 America has not understood the pains of sufferings of common Indian. We have been inflicted more injuries by the terrorists than the combined attacks in America and whole of Europe including Britain. Unfortunately, even then the west has failed to understand and experience the throes of ours, the pain of Indians. Kashmir is still bleeding thanks to Pakistan and its supporter nations including America. Had America told in unequivocal terms, in the initial phase itself, to Pakistan to stop supporting terrorists and exporting terrorism into India, the situation would have not been so horrible and pathetic as it is today. The dual policy of Americans in south asia especially to keep India at bay has done more harms to the Americans themselves than it has done good to them.

The unabated and continuous supply of arms and ammunitions, military and monetary aid to Pakistan by USA has allowed the situation to go from bad to worse. Now it is slowly but definitely going to become 'Somalia of south-asia'. It has already become a 'failed state',but the tragedy is that, it will make others fail also. India's huge defence budget of more that 1 lakh crore which is more that 5% of its GDP is largely due to the hostile neighbour of ours. 

If USA wants a peaceful south-asia and central asia, it has to stop Pakistan from what it is doing today. The present political and security situation is also moving towards catastrophe and it should be prevented for the larger interests of this region. Let Holbrooke understand it and he should also make Obama understand this. Or else no one will be able to save Pakistan from extinction. 

A new dawn is waiting to appear on the globe. History has bestowed upon Obama a huge responsibility as well as an excellent opportunity to reshape the globe and redifine governance based on mutual respect and equality. We have to build a world wherein every one gets two sqaure meals a day and a roof over his head in scorching sun and chilling nights.

DEVELOPMENT IN AFGHANISTAN AND PAKISTAN; ITS IMPACT ON INDIA

(LONG MARCH; WAY TO ISLAMABAD SEAT OF POWER?)

The security environment in Afghanistan and Pakistan is changing very swiftly over a week. The war against terrorism in Afghanistan led by US is not making desired headway. General Patreus has admitted that they are not winning the war. In a diplomatic style, he of course said that the situation would improve once as proposed 17000 American troops reach into Afghanistan. But many experts in strategic and defence fields feel that situations in Afghanistan and Iraq are completely different. In Iraq the country was blocked and no tangible support or logistic inputs were available for the Iraqi insurgents, whereas; in Afghanistan the situation is different. Mulla Omar and Osama, both are alive and commanding their men, in Iraq after the capture of Saddam the insurgents were virtually leaderless and unorganised. They made some desperate attacks but thoroughly unorganised and ill coordinated. Taliban on the other hand is proving so far unmatched with world’s best army, thanks to the local tribal support from both in Afghanistan and Pakistan. 

The Taliban is gaining ground repulsing the govt forces from country side. In fact Karzai’s writs don’t run beyond Kabul. The ministers, governors, govt offices, embassies and even jails are not safe and Taliban is capable of striking anywhere any time. The high security prison in Kabul was blown and prisoners including Taliban inmates were freed. Situation is such that even Presidential palace in Kabul is considered ‘not safe’. The supply line across north-west of Pakistan is highly unsafe and US had to solicit support from Russia for an alternate supply route to which Russia did agree but with a bargain. It too wants a role to play in this region. 

The rampant corruption in Afghanistan amongst its bureaucracy, Police and diplomats is marring all efforts of reconstruction and reconciliation. Even American army officials are not exception to these pandemics. The good will, once generated after Taliban’s ouster from Kabul, is eroding. The Afghan tribes, the autonomy loving people are frustrated with these developments and therefore; the local population is getting hostile towards the alliance forces day by day. The call of Taliban to oust, ‘foreign mercenaries’ as what it call, from its soil is finding sympathetic space in the hearts of common Afghanis also. This emotional call of Taliban has aggravated the problem for American in Afghanistan.

Under these circumstances Obama has vividly accepted that American forces are not winning the war in Afghanistan and he candidly accepted that on principle he is exploring to engage, what he called liberal and moderate elements in Taliban, in dialogue. In an interview to The New York Times, he said he ponders outreach to moderate elements in Taliban. Richard Holbrooke, the special envoy of Obama’s administration might have advised US president to do so drawing experience from Iraq perhaps. In Iraq, Shias were engaged in dialogue and seems to have paid back in restoring some amount of peace. America wants to re-do this experiment in Afghanistan. Let’s hope and pray that this formulae works.

Well, only time will tell that whether any moderate Taliban really exists or not. Some experts are of the opinion that there is no good or bad Taliban and Taliban do not have any moderates, they all are extremists and religious fundamentalists.

This marks a major shift in the established American policy towards Taliban. This is going to have profound impact on security environment in the entire region, south-Asian region in general and Indian in particular. 

On the other hand the situation in Pakistan is fast moving away from normal. President Zardari's tactless handling of situation is worsening the situation in Pakistan. The law and order situation is fast deteriorating. The bomb blasts, suicidal attacks, growing influence of Taliban and terrorists activities in general are going unabated. On constitutional front, Zardari did not offer constitutional package. The constitutional changes which Parvez Musharaff had brought in inorder to keep unbridled power with respect to dissolve Parliament etc are still to be annulled and done away with. The interference of President in matters of governance is such that even appointment in PMO are being done by the President himself. The restoration of Judiciary in pre-amendment status to which Zardari had made written agreement with Nawaz, stiil awaits presidents nod. Above all, the imminent showdown between Zardari and Nawaz over the Supreme Court’s verdict which went against the Nawaz and his brother Sahwaz, is snow balling into an unprecedented situation of political crisis with the General Ashfaz Piarvez Kayani giving ultimatum to Zardari 'either to improve situation or face the music'. The reliable sources at Islamabad claim that the Army is tightening its belt for an imminent take over situation or at least to play a major role in the coming days, a role pakistani army relish to perform unlike many democracy in the world.

Pakistani PM Gilani met General Kayani on 12th, the Wednesday and speculation is rife now that Kayani wanted Gilani to play a bigger role, hitherto denied to him by Zardari. Although the PM’s official spokesperson and advisor to PM said that Kayani is of the opinion that army should be kept out of politics because what he said, the democracy has transcended after a decade of Military rule.Holbrook and American ambassodor has met PM and has taken stock of situation. Americans are keeping a close watch over the situation.

Zardari in a determined mood to stop the ‘long march’( 15-16 March, Lahore- Islamabad), to which Nawaz has given call, has ordered tough actions to be taken. Hundreds of political activists, lawyers and media persons have either been arrested or put under house arrests. The authorities have invoked section 144 in the whole of areas and a senior official in the interior ministry, Rehman Malik, who is said to be close aide to Zardari, has said that Nawaz and his brother may be booked under charges of treason. This action of Zardari has invited condemnation from many corners including America. Democracy and Martial law are like musical chair game in Pakistan. This time the history is likely to repeat again.

Nawaz and Zardari have been at logger heads from initial days of the government. Nawaz wants Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary, the deposed CJ of Pakistan’s Supreme Court to be reinstated, whereas; Zardari, being sceptical about Chaudhary’s intensions, wants to defer the matter to maximum stretchable limits. It is only when the SC in a verdict on25 February, this year disqualified Sharif and his brother the CM of Punjab province from holding any elected office, the situation triggered off towards direct confrontation. Zardari immediately sacked Shabaz as CM of Punjab and put it in President’s Rule. This was interpreted by Nawaz that the decision of the SC has come on the behest of Zardari. 

Even before this the security situation in Pakistan is fast slipping out of the hands of government over some time. The complete surrender of Pakistani government in swat valley which is hardly 100 Kilometres away from Islamabad, to Taliban is the testimony of ever-growing power of Taliban in Pakistan. The purchased peaces in once an alpine tourist valley swat in exchange of introduction of Shariat law has stopped the fire throwing mouth of the guns for the time being but the authority of the government has been thoroughly undermined. The advance of Taliban is undeterred and unchecked. In fact in the entire FATA, major parts of Baluchistan and Waziristan govt writs are not running. The situation is such that if one fine morning Islamabad itself is captured by the Taliban, no one should take it as surprise. Thus the political, security and economic situation in Pakistan are ripe for such things to happen. One thing is amply clear that the days of Zardari are over. Even if Military takeover is averted, Zardari, in all possibility, is likely either to be removed or forced to quit in a couple of weeks.

Taking into consideration both the developments in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the security situation in India is likely to be seriously threatened. How far after all are our borders from these areas? T.V channels telecasted that Taliban is coming ! Is it only a TRP driven rhetoric or do we really face such a situation, needs to be contemplated.

IMPACT OF THESE DEVELOPMENT ON INDIA- India has been the softest target of Pakistani militants, right from its birth as an independent nation in 1947. We all know and it is too obvious and simple a proposition to be discussed that the humiliating defeat of Pakistan at the hands of India thrice has forced it to switch over to proxy war and subsequently low intensity war in Indian territory. The ongoing terrorist activities in India are handiwork of Pakistan and it is proven beyond a shadow of doubt.

The subjugation of Swat valley to the Taliban is of special significance with respect to India. An unholy nexus developed between Al-Qaida and Taliban in Afghanistan in order to fight against the Americans. This nexus gradually grew and flourished and took the shape of international terrorism. Many experts in this field believe that all other small or big terrorist organisations in one way or the other are logistically linked with this grand alliance of Al-Qaida and Taliban.

The figures of terrorist attacks in India and for that matter elsewhere in the world have undergone a huge qualitative and quantitative change. The mechanism as well as intensity has enhanced. 

With the swat coming to the Taliban’s hegemony, this nexus has found a new base in Pakistan which is of immense strategic importance. Swat is hardly 100 kms away from Islamabad and roughly 70 Kms away from Peshawar. It these distances are calculated Indian capital New Delhi is hardly 758 kms away from Islamabad and Lahore only 427 kms. Obviously our western command will be very near to the swat valley. Pakistan has developed intermediate and short range missiles like Abdali, Ghaznavi, both short range, Ghauri, Ghauri I, II, medium range Ghauri III (ICBM) Shaheen, Shaheen I, II and III etc. 

Swat is just a sojourn of Taliban and Al-Qaida duo and they will consolidate their position here. Unfortunately, the command and control system of these missile and nuclear warheads are in the hands of military rather than civilian govt. It is a well known fact that there is one another unholy nexus between ISI and terrorists organisations. Thus terrorists, ISI and military trio nexus has negated all the efforts of reconciliation. Even some officials on condition of anonymity say that the special wing in ISI called "S' wing has been imparting training to talibans and Al-Qaida militants. In fact it is this nexus which has aggravated the problem of US because the kind of logistic and material support which this 's' wing provides to these outfits has enhanced the strike capabilities of these groups fighting against American forces in strife torn areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan. This nexus of ISI militants and muzahiddins in Kashmir has been revealed none other than by Nawaz Sharif himself regarding Kargil war.

It is in this perspective and situation, the recent developments in Pakistan is of serious concern for India. A democratic, stable, prosperous and non-fundamentalist Pakistan is in India’s interest. 

With the Talibanisation of this strategic territory of swat valley, the above mentioned threats are looming large on India. The security situation in Kashmir is likely to further worsen. The terrorist influx into Indian Territory will increase. Kashmir went to poll and a democratically elected govt under the west educated CM came to power. The peace process is moving forward with more and more people are coming to mainstream and its testimony was witnessed in huge turnout in the last Assembly election. Peace and democracy are enemies of terrorists, therefore; this situation is likely to be threatened seriously. 

If the situation in Pakistan is allowed to go to nadir, the grip of Taliban and other such forces would grow stronger and can seriously jeopardise the security of this Nation. 

Any complacency on our part in this regard can prove to be disastrous. Shiv Shanker Menon was in USA to meet his counterpart Hillary Clinton. He has held wide ranging dialogue with his counterpart and many others in America. He has rightly said that the Afghanistan problem should be viewed and resolved in an integrated fashion. He meant thereby that any diplomatic or strategic manoeuvring or retreat without taking into India’s stand would be disastrous and would meet with fiasco. India has rightly objected to Holbrooke’s reported attempt to drag Kashmir into his mission. Fortunately Holbrooke too could perceive Indian’s mood and categorically stated that Kashmir is not an areas US wanted mediation. However India has to be too vigilant and pro-active vis-a-vis developments in its North West neighbours. Parvez Mussaraff speech at India conclave only a few day ago smacked of Pakistan’s development. He wanted to incite Indian Muslims' sentiment against the establishment. Thank to rebuff given by Maulana Madni. United we stand divided we fall, though sounds an old and obsolete rhetoric, is the need of hour.

WHO WILL CARE FOR GANDHI?

(BAPU,WHO WILL UPKEEP YOUR LEGACY?)

One week ago, Gandhi again came in news but not for any satyagraha movement or non-violent sermons. This news or better call it an out cry was centered around some of his belongings which were put to auction in Antiquorum Auctioneers at Manhattan in USA on thursday the 5th March,2009.

All what happened, that a film maker and peace activist, James Otis had in his possession some belongings of Mahatma Gandhi, which he wanted to put to auction through the Antiquorum. He had wanted to spend the money coming out through this auction for pacifest causes. When the news of this auction broke, it snow balled in a tempest all around in India. The Indian government as well many organisations jumped into the fray but not to buy back gandhi's pricelsse belongings like steel framed spects, a pair of sandals, a bowl and a pocket watch, but to get the auction cancelled. Otis, the peace lover was hurt and wanted to stop the auction but it was too late and the auction went ahead as per schedule.

Vijay Mallaya, the liquor magnate and a Indian business tycoon participated in the auciton through his representative Tony Bedi who became the highest bidder and the belongings were sold to Mallaya at $1.8 Million. The tempest was rested now. Mallaya is expected to bring back these items of Mahatma within a couple of weeks. The delay in handing over of the items is due to certain legal formalities which has become necessary because of some legal wrangles.

This episode has raised certain issues which unfortunately are full of ironies and paradoxes. The Party in power, the INC claims to be the real successor of Gandhi and boasts of carrying forward the legacy of Mahatma and Gandhi-Nehru family is in power, though behind the curtains, but it too could not buy Gandhi's items back. Second parodox is that Gandhi had been a champion of prohibition throughout his life but his belongings are bought back by a liquor magnate, what a contrast. Well no one can say that patriotism is the repository of those who falsely call themselves as champions of nationalism. This episode has once again revealed that India resides in Indians rich or poor, political or apolitical educated and iliterates alike. 

$1.8 million is not a huge amount for the items of Mahatma, infact they are priceless. The energy which the government wasted in getting the auction stayed, should have been channelised in buying back these items.

Many organisations, institutions and many political parties run on the name of Gandhi,unfortunately no one come to his rescue, what a shame! The political parties that always make an issue out of trivial things,but alas! this time no one except a patriot business man saved the nation from being stigmatised.

There are hundreds of items of our great leaders in this country, uncared and unattended, but who cares for them? However,as soon as these items reach out to the hands of foreigners, they become pricesless. Is it a mark of our colonial mindset or something else?

TECHNOLOGY AND FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM,INSURGENCY AND NAXALISM

(SECURITY IS NO MORE SECURED BY GUN ONLY)

INTRODUCTION- When we say internal security we are referring to an overall security situation prevailing in the country. Although it refers to the internal situation and it depends largely on the internal factors, though with the changing strategic-security environment around the region, it affects situations inside the country also. The balance of power in the geo-political region profoundly affects the security situation in any country. It is therefore; any change in power equation in the South-Asian, South-Eastern Asian or South-Pacific region tends to improvement or deterioration in the internal security scenario in India.

Thus the Internal security has twin dimensions; internal and external, and therefore; any study or any strategy to reshape it requires taking of cognizance of both the factors.

In recent times the mechanism and modes of operation of terrorists, extremists and insurgents have undergone metamorphosis. The use of sophisticated technology in terms strike and intelligence areas by these out fits needs to taken into account before formulating any strategy in tackling the problems of Internal Security. 

AREAS AND ASPECTS WHICH AFFECT INTERNAL SECURITY- Broadly Internal security can be divided into major areas for discussion point of views, otherwise it would be strategically and tactically blunder to treat them all at different footing. 

A- INSURGENCY

B- TERRORISM

C- NAXALISM

D- LOW INTENSITY WAR

E- ORGANISED CRIME INCLUDING CYBER CRIME

F- GENERAL LAW AND ORDER

G- COMMUNAL AND CASTE VIOLENCE 

A- INSURGENCY AND NAXALISM- The country faced another Internal Security problem in form of insurgency from the very outset. The Naga leadership under Z.A. Phizo had challenged their integration into Indian Union even before India became Independent. The Naga insurgency started way back in 1950s and as a matter of fact Mr. Z.A. Phizo had founded Naga National Council in 1947 itself. There are regional variations in the causes, forms and social chemistry of these insurgencies. Some fight on ethnic ground, whereas; others on linguistic and regional basis. Their demands and principles are also different from each other. The geo-strategic location of North-Eastern States is also congenial for such movements. These states are linked to the rest of the country through a narrow strip of land, sometimes referred as ‘chicken neck strip’. The lack of physical, cultural and emotional proximity with these states has also augmented the feeling of alienation of tribal and other people living in these states. The Natto-friendly countries bordering these states also encourage secessionist activities by way of providing arms, ammunitions and shelters to these insurgents. It is an established fact, that many insurgent and secessionist groups are running training camps in these Natto-friendly countries.

With the Sheikh Hasina becoming PM of Bangladesh, the situation in the North-Eastern States have started showing signs of improvement. The Country is no longer a safe heaven for the insurgent groups who are operating in these states. That is why, initially, I said that external factors and changing geo-political situation in neighbourhood do affect security in other country. The abortive coup attempt in Bangladesh by BDRs are, according to some experts is due to this reason. The Islamic fundamentalist and Jehadi-jamat elements in the BDR do not like the situation in India to improve.

Although almost all the north-eastern states face insurgency, the chemistry and geography of all the insurgent groups vary from each other. Insurgency is basically a situation of war, mostly guerrilla, which is aimed at liberating that particular area or region from the country. It is different from Naxalism or for that matter terrorism in the sense that Naxalism’s concept is based on the overthrow of the establishment itself through people’s armed movement and it does not advocates for secession. Terrorism, on the other hand, is aimed at spreading terror and hatred sometimes without any clear cut ideology. The ideology of terrorism is blurred but mechanism is organised, whereas; in insurgency, both ideology as well as mechanism of warfare are better organised. It is perhaps due to this reason the terrorism dies early and not the insurgency. Terrorism don’t tend to go in hibernation, whereas; insurgency often goes in hibernation especially when the time is not favourable.

The organisational hierarchy of these organisations are very well defined and well trained and their mode of operation is very hi-tech. Sometimes their hierarchical structure and strike capabilities are unmatched with the security agencies.

STRATEGIES TO TACKLE INSURGENCY AND NAXALISM-

There is no denying the fact that these problems have germinated out of political garbage and have assumed enormous proportions, therefore the long lasting solutions to these menaces also lie in political theraphy. At the same time, till then, they cannot be allowed to devastate and tatter our social and economic fabric. The strategies, therefore; let the political process of reconciliation proceed and at the same time activities of such elements in terms of attacks and disruption are checked and foiled effectively.

Here lies the importance of technology in general and use of Information Technology in particular. These outfits have grown at a rocketing pace in terms of their equipment with latest warfare technology. Unfortunately on establishment side the same did not advance with corresponding velocity. The result is devastating and catastrophic. If the number of terrorist and insurgent incidents is taken into account, the figure available with the ministry of MHA suggests that up to Nov, 2007, there have been 266 incidents resulting in killing of 43 civilians. The corresponding figures for 2006 were 282 incidents and killing of 28 civilians. According to the information made available by the MHA, 1591 incidents of naxal attacks took place in 2008 in which 231 security personnel and 490 civilians were dead. Highest number of incidents took place in Chhattisgarh followed by Jharkhand and Bihar. In most of these attacks Naxalites and such outfits use land mines and improved electronic device (IED) which causes maximum causalities to the security forces. 

We have provided some anti-land mine vehicles to the infested areas; but it is very costly as well as very heavy. Carrying such vehicle is expensive as well as herculean also. It cannot be taken to difficult terrain; a place where combing operations take place.

(a) DEVELOPMENT OF ANTI-LAND MINE APPARATUS-The DFID’s conflict and Humanitarian Affairs department is working on research and development of cheap, handy and small anti-land mine devices. It includes invention of a torch called dragon which would throw light and detonate the mine and remove the obstacles. The R&D is based on twin objective of small cost and easily manufacturing techniques. The experiences across the world suggest that maximum number of causalities to the security forces have been caused due to use these land mines. If this technology is successfully implemented, it will bring down the causalities drastically.

India has a vast infrastructure of R&D. We have DRDO, TERI etc. we can develop our own technology also. The figure suggests that we have spent more on hardware like purchase of arms and ammunition as but spent scanty amount on R&D in this area. India can learn lot in anti-land mine sphere from countries like Israel and Lebanon. Even countries like Sri Lanka have also vast experience of dealing with the anti-land mine problems.

(b)LAND MINE IN C0ASTAL AREAS- The land mines in surface area is considered less lethal as compared to those planted on the sea shore. These sea-mines, as it is called, do not get defused themselves and can explode even after hundred years. It is becoming gradually more and more challenging for internal security. Personnels and experts are of the opinion that maritime terrorism is of more far reaching consequences.

(c)ANTI AMBUSH AND ANTI-GUERRILLA WARFARE STRATEGIES- In insurgency operations, maximum causalities occur in ambush by the insurgents. In north-east states, insurgent organisations like PLA NSCN, ULFA, BLACK WIDOW, ALL BODO STUDENTS UNION, NLFB, TLF, Kanleipak communist party (KCP),Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL),Manipur people’s Liberation Front (MPLF),United National Liberation Front (UNLF),Hmar People’s Convention- Democracy (HPC-D),Kuki Liberation Army (KLA),Kuki National Army (KNA),Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA),Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA),Chin Kuki Revolutionary Front (CKRF),Hmar People’s Convention(HPC),Indigenous People’s Revolutionary Alliance(IPRA),Iripak Kanba Lup (IKL),Islamic Revolutionary Front (IRF),Kuki Defence Force (KDF),Kom Rem People’s convention (KRPC),Manipur Liberation Tiger Army (MLTA) and a host of other such insurgent groups are adept in ambush attacks. They have taken hundreds of lives of security and civilians. Till date we have not been able to evolve an effective anti-ambush strategy. The use of technology can play a vital role vis-a-vis combating these warfare techniques. The use of age old weapons is unmatched with those of these outfits. The night vision goggles, night vision weapons and laser beam fitted rifles can enhance the strike capabilities of our security forces.

Although the basics of combating insurgency remained the same, it has to be blended with latest technology to upgrade the strike capability. The basic tactics is called tactic’s technique and procedure (TTP). It consists of suppress, breach, attack, assault and defend. 

USE OF TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE TTP- There is an old saying, offence is the best defence. To pre-empt, you require advance information which comes from intelligence and intelligence is purely a professional and technical dimension. The more sophisticated the gadget you have, of course manned by dedicated and highly trained personnel, would equip the establishment with advance warning or movements of the enemies. What we have seen in several attacks in many parts of the country, are the examples of weak and inefficient intelligence system. Contrary to the popular assumptions, the use of technology is cheaper than the conventional way of gathering information. Just by installing certain CCTv and footage regularly monitored and analysed by computers can not only save life of hundreds of people but relieve of dozens of police men doing duty in scorching sun and chilling nights.

B- TERRORISM, LOW INTENSITY CONFLICT AND ORGANISED CRIME-

These are the modern day phenomenon. The 2nd half of 20th century has ushered in these deadly and ghostly ideologies. Without going into the jargon of definition of terrorism, we need to discuss steps to improve our response mechanism. As far as its terminology is concerned, the term ‘Terrorism’ comes from the Latin word ‘terrere’, which means to frighten. There are hundreds of different definitions of the word “Terrorism”; therefore, universal definition of this word is nearly impossible. For example, the US Army has counted as many as 109 definitions of Terrorism in 22 different countries. It is therefore, needless to discuss upon it. Low intensity conflict or LIC is nothing but a corollary of the terrorism. The situation where the military force is used selectively to enforce compliance with a political motive is called LIC. Pakistan, when was routed in two successive wars against India, resorted to this tactics. This LIC is still continuing in J&K. It is a kind of prolonged engagement without official pronouncement or declaration of all out war. It is stressful and painful.

It drains immense resources both in terms of men and money. The use of sophisticated IT in this arena can reverse the results. The modus operandi of both terrorist attacks and LIC has under gone huge change, so should have been our tactics.

It is said that the wars are fought as per prevailing weapons of contemporary time. In ancient period they used to be fought by crude weapons but gradually modes changed and elephants, cavalry, gunpowder and canons became weapons and modes of winning combination. British came and it changed the warfare; the naval boats gave superiority to the Britishers over Indian rulers. The first world wars proved that the navy was still a force to reckon with. 2nd World War, for the first time, changed the entire paradigm of warfare and fighter planes changed the polity and geography of the region. The advent of 21st century has again brought in a new concept and now the superiority of a nation depends on information technology. Paul Bracken, an American strategic expert, use a term ‘information dominance’, meaning thereby that the more sophisticated is the IT, the more powerful is the nation.

INADEQUATE SCIENTIFIC APPARATUS AT BORDERS AND AIR PORTS (BORDER MANAGEMENT) - India has 4095 Kilometres porous border with Bangladesh and 1850 Kilometres with Nepal. The Indo-Pak border is 3323 Kilometres whereas; Indo-China border is 3428 Kilometres. Our border management in the above borders needs to be strengthened vigorously. We do not have ultra-modern scientific equipments on the checkpoints. For instance the Indo-Nepal border has several transit points like Raxaul, Jogbani, sandhauli, Birpur etc. The intelligence reports suggest that these borders are frequently used by the drug peddlers, arms dealers and terrorists and large scale smuggling takes place here.

The kinds of equipment which are installed here are far from satisfactory and cannot detect the movement of goods or arms and ammunitions. These borders require installations of highly sophisticated equipments so that the security agencies can detect and identify the saboteurs. Each day hundreds of thousands of vehicles including trucks loaded with huge containers pass through these borders and therefore it is virtually impossible to check these vehicles with the help of obsolete and outdate manual gadgets by few dozen customs and excise or police officials. Till date they act on specific tip off and check specific vehicle. Even then long queues of vehicles are lined up causing immense hardships to the commuters. 

The concept of Integrated Check Posts (ICP) has been mooted few years ago to overcome this problem but the pace of its implementation is very slow. The airports have also been used by the terrorists over the years. Although the security at airports is far more modern and tighter than the border, it needs to the further sensitised. 

The detection of liquid explosives and suicidal bombs has been a major headache for the agencies. Use of Acetone Peroxide (TATP) and HMDT, the liquid explosives has become favourites of the terrorists. ‘Raman Spectroscopy’, a device are being used by some advanced countries to detect these explosives. We can use it on wider scale.

Human suicide bombs are said to be a ‘Zero Failure Technique (ZFT)’ for the terrorists. Countries like Israel, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India and even some European Countries are the worst hits and the largest suffers.

England is claimed to have developed a device based on ‘Nano Technology’ which would detect without fail the human suicide bombers. They claim that this technology would provide security cover over the entire city or coastal areas. IIT is also working on some R&D to develop anti-human suicide bombers device. It is required to be accelerated. Technology saves time and money and achieves target with more precision.

BORDER MANAGEMENT- India can learn much from Israel regarding border management. We have signed one MOU with them. Unfortunately much headway has not been made due to political reasons. Keeping watch over thousands of Kilo-meters international border without eye to eye ball contact of soldiers is not an easy task. It cannot be achieved without use of hi-tech and ultra modern scientific equipments. The unmanned aircrafts fitted with electronic and IT gadgets are being use by a number of developed countries to keep watch over enemies of nation, it can be imitated here also. Any cost is cheaper than blood our soldiers.

The primitive way of putting fence across the border is not a plausible proposition. It is very cumbersome, costly, time taking and ineffective also. In spite of about 70% of fencing across Indo-Bangladesh border, the influx of illegal immigrants into India is unabated.

INTERNET AND TERRORISM-

The internet upsurge has changed the globe and so has the mechanism of the terrorists. Internet has brought the entire globe to your mouse command. Gone are the days when some organisations had to resort to phone calls and hardcopy communications to reach out their viewers,followers and sympathisers. According to many reports published across the world, the terrorists have become internet savvy and have been using internet to communicate with their members, command them, instruct and guide them on net. They have started hatred campaign against their enemies by using their own websites and blogs. According to one estimate at present there are about 1 billion bloggers are across the world. The distance has minimised to zero level in terms of time. It has posed a serious challenge before our internal security also. We do have advantage also. India is perhaps one of the most developed nations in terms of software engineers and programmers. We have best brains available which can be used in evolution of anti-terror software strategies. We can develop programmes to hack the terrorist’s communication and disrupt their nefarious designs. Policies have to be framed so that Indian citizen could be involved in this tirade against the enemies of mankind. I.T. laws have been amended more than twice; we require a comprehensive and deterrent law to tackle this menace.

(C)-GERERAL LAW AND ORDER AND COMMUNAL AND CASTE CLASHES-

Policing in India is a British legacy and the hierarchical structures as well as legal frame work still persist with certain changes here and there. We have still 148 years Police Act prevalent in many parts of the country. IPC of 1860 still reminds us that we have not yet been able to codify our own penal codes in congruent and in commensurate with changing pace of times. 1871 Indian Evidence Act still does not allow many IT materials as clinching evidence. Narco-tests are not admissible in the court of law as solitary and conclusive evidence. The situation needs to be changed because they have direct bearing on the internal security situation in our country. Supreme Court of India has ruled in (CIVIL ORIGINAL JURISDICTION) WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) No. 310 OF 1996 I. A. No. 3 of 1999 Prakash Singh v/s union of India that the investigation and law and order be separated. The idea is to improve the quality of investigation and bring more judiciously culprits to book.

Here lies the crux of the problem. The unscientific and colonial way of retrieval of information many times amounts to violation of human rights and vitiates the entire procedure of law. The introduction of hi-technology in matters of investigations will held a lot in improving the internal security scenario. 

The FIRs are required to be put on local area network of the police department. The data base of criminals, terrorists, extremists and naxalites along with their photographs be made available so that SHO sitting in a remote area can have the information of the whereabouts and activities of such elements. Generally these elements escape and sneak into countryside and go in hibernation. The lack of effective information system help these elements escape from the eyes of the local police. 

Police stations are the corner stone of the entire security structure. Unfortunately, over a period of time the emphasis has shifted from this basic structure and we went on creating parallel organisations with conflicting and intersecting jurisdiction causing more harm than good. There anomalies are required to be rectified.

The general law and order and other communal and caste violent clashes sometimes snowball into serious problems for internal security. With the introduction of latest technologies in this area, the situation can be improved in a big way.Some of the important suggested measures are (a) access control system/ equipment (b) information encryption (c) air port and multimode protective security, interceptors. (d) anti-riot equipment,(e) armour personal body (e) lab for testing (f) audio surveillance equipment (g) mobile communication (h) bio-metric system (i) model for encryption (j) bomb detection equipment (k) micro-wave communication (l) bomb disposal equipment (m) passenger screening and searching equipment (n) cyber crime surveillance system (o) anti-riot and other specialist vehicle etc.