INSURGENCY
1. Context
Over 75 camps with personnel of the Special Operations Group (SOG) in forest areas; regular training for Village Defence Committees (VDCs) with traditional as well as semi-automatic weapons; and an increased deployment of BSF personnel on the border with a special focus on tunnels
2. What is insurgency?
Insurgency refers to a rebellion or uprising against an established authority or government, often involving irregular armed groups or guerrilla fighters. Insurgencies typically aim to challenge or overthrow the existing political system, and they can vary in scale, from localized uprisings to widespread movements.
Key characteristics of insurgencies include:
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Asymmetrical Warfare: Insurgents often use unconventional tactics, such as guerrilla warfare, hit-and-run attacks, and sabotage, as opposed to traditional military strategies.
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Political Objectives: Insurgents usually have specific political goals, such as seeking independence, autonomy, or regime change.
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Support from Local Population: Successful insurgencies often rely on support from the local population, either for direct assistance or through passive sympathy.
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Prolonged Conflict: Insurgencies can last for extended periods, as they may involve protracted campaigns of resistance and negotiation.
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Low Intensity: Compared to full-scale wars, insurgencies often involve relatively lower-intensity conflict but can still cause significant disruption and casualties
3. What is the difference between insurgency and terrorism?
Insurgencies can involve terrorist tactics, and terrorist groups can adopt insurgency-like strategies. For example, an insurgent group might use terrorist attacks to undermine the government and gain support, while a terrorist group might seek to provoke an insurgency or exploit existing conflicts
| Subject | Insurgency | Terrorism |
| Objective | Insurgencies typically aim to challenge or overthrow an established government or authority. The goals are often political, such as achieving independence, autonomy, or regime change. |
Terrorism primarily aims to instill fear, create chaos, or coerce governments or societies into specific actions or changes. The goals can be political, ideological, or religious. |
| Methods | Insurgents use a mix of conventional and unconventional tactics. This includes guerrilla warfare, sabotage, and propaganda. They may seek to control territory and gain the support of local populations | Terrorists use violence and intimidation, often targeting civilians or non-combatants to achieve their objectives. Their methods include bombings, assassinations, and attacks on soft targets. |
| Scale and Duration | Insurgencies are often prolonged and can involve large-scale movements with organized groups. The conflict can be widespread and persistent | Terrorist activities can be episodic and may not involve prolonged conflicts. They are often characterized by high-profile, dramatic attacks |
| Engagement | Insurgents often engage in combat with state forces and may have a more organized structure compared to terrorist groups | Terrorist groups may not engage in conventional military battles. Instead, they often operate through clandestine cells or networks |
4. What are the various security challenges for India?
- India faces a range of security challenges that impact its stability and development. Internally, the country deals with insurgency and extremism, particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, as well as in the North-East.
- Terrorism also poses a significant threat, with both domestic and international groups, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, targeting the country.
- Naxalism or Maoist insurgency continues to be a problem in central and eastern India, contributing to violence and instability in rural areas.
- Additionally, ethnic and sectarian conflicts and communal violence based on religious or regional differences further strain internal security.
- Externally, India faces ongoing border disputes with neighboring countries like China and Pakistan, with issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.
- Cross-border terrorism, particularly from Pakistan, remains a significant concern. Geopolitical tensions in the Indian Ocean Region involving major powers like the United States and China also impact India's security.
- Maritime security is another challenge, including threats from piracy, territorial disputes, and the need to ensure safe sea lanes.
- Additionally, regional instability in neighboring countries, such as Afghanistan, can have spill-over effects on India.
- Cybersecurity is an emerging area of concern, with increasing threats from state and non-state actors targeting critical infrastructure, financial systems, and government networks. Data privacy issues also arise as the protection of personal and sensitive data becomes more critical.
- Economic and environmental security also play crucial roles. Economic disruptions, including global economic fluctuations and internal challenges, can affect stability.
- Environmental degradation, such as climate change and resource scarcity, further compounds these challenges, posing risks to the country's overall security.
- Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires a comprehensive approach involving diplomatic efforts, enhanced security measures, economic reforms, and community engagement
5.What are the various initiatives taken by the government to counter militancy in Jammu and Kashmir?
The Indian government has implemented various initiatives to counter militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to restore peace, provide security, and address underlying issues contributing to unrest.
Here are some key measures:
- Increased Military Presence: Deployment of additional troops and security forces to combat militant activities and maintain law and order.
- Counter-Terrorism Operations: Conducting targeted operations against militant groups and their infrastructure, including surveillance and intelligence-gathering.
- Surge in Border Security: Strengthening security along the Line of Control (LoC) to prevent infiltration of militants from Pakistan.
- Revocation of Article 370: In August 2019, the Indian government abrogated Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to integrate the region more closely with the rest of India and address administrative challenges.
- Creation of Union Territories: The reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories (Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh) to ensure more direct administrative control and governance.
- Election and Political Engagement: Efforts to conduct elections and engage local political leaders to promote democratic processes and enhance governance.
- evelopment Projects: Implementation of infrastructure and development projects to improve economic conditions and provide employment opportunities, thus reducing the appeal of militancy.
- Investment in Education and Health: Enhancing education and healthcare facilities to address social and economic disparities that contribute to militancy
6. Why is there a rise in terrorist attacks in Jammu?
- Cross-Border Terrorism: Militants from Pakistan-based groups, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, continue to infiltrate Jammu from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These groups seek to destabilize the region and undermine Indian sovereignty.
- Regional Instability: Broader geopolitical tensions in South Asia, including conflicts between India and Pakistan, contribute to heightened militant activity in Jammu.
- Revocation of Article 370: The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and the subsequent reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into Union Territories may have contributed to heightened unrest. Some militant groups view these changes as provocative and seek to resist them through violence.
- Local Discontent: Political and administrative changes can create discontent among certain sections of the population, which can be exploited by militant groups to incite violence
- Challenges in Border Security: Despite efforts to secure the Line of Control (LoC), there are occasional lapses and vulnerabilities that allow militants to cross into Jammu.
- Intelligence Failures: Gaps in intelligence and coordination can lead to difficulties in preempting and preventing terrorist attacks
- Economic Disparities: High levels of poverty, unemployment, and lack of development in certain areas can drive individuals toward militant activities as a means of livelihood or resistance.
- Disillusionment and Frustration: Socio-economic and political frustrations can lead to increased support for militant groups, especially if people feel marginalized or oppressed
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For Prelims: Current events of national and international significance
For Mains: GS-III: Internal Security
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Source: Indianexpress
