The Question of Domestic Security

With bombs going off in Indian cities at regular intervals, increasing violence from fringe groups on the extreme left of the political spectrum, destabilizing protestations from secessionist groups in neglected states and after the shock and awe of the attack on Mumbai last November, domestic security concerns have become essential to which way urban Indians, at least, may cast their vote. A rational decision will not be easy to make for these voters.

No definite and comprehensive internal security agenda has been put forward by any political party even after November 26, 2008. The rhetoric from leaders on all sides of the political spectrum has consisted of the same vitriol against foreign terrorists trying to destabilize the country, without much Parliamentary debate on coming up with practical policy proposals. After a shake up at the top of the Home Ministry in late November, certain new measures have been taken by the Congress led UPA government.

Firstly, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) has been hurriedly amended along the lines of and despite the failure of previous anti-terrorist laws such as POTA in achieving their intended goal. The new amendment is a clear instance of the Indian state's knee jerk reactions to questions of national security. The UAPA as it stands now is more draconian than any previous anti-terrorist law as it allows authorities to detain suspects for 180 days, the definition of who is a terrorist or anti-state actor remains ambiguous, suspects cannot appeal for bail and most importantly the law can be blatantly misused by the executive and security forces as there is no independent body (including the judiciary) which will monitor its use. Secondly, a Multi Agency Centre has been set up by the Home Ministry to share intelligence twenty-four hours and across the country's various intelligence gathering agencies. Thirdly, the ministry has urged all states to increase the manpower of their individual police forces as many positions lie vacant and also allocate a senior level officer to only gather local intelligence. Fourthly, NSG hubs are being created in all the four metros; Indian Reserve Battalions are being raised in various states along with counter insurgency and anti-terrorism schools. Fifthly, a Coastal Command is being set up to protect the country's large and vulnerable coastline from illegal penetration.

The Congress-led UPA's reaction to crude bombs blowing off in Indian cities last year was largely one of confusion and indifference. After the Delhi blasts, we saw the encounter and arrests at Jamianagar, post which no concrete results from an investigation have been made public. After Mumbai, the UPA reacted precisely in the manner in which the BJP-led NDA had chosen to react after the attack on Parliament during its tenure. Both have offered a draconian, anti-terrorist law as a palliative and some shuffling around of departments and officials in the central and state home ministries. Based on the reactions we have seen from both the major coalitions, it will not be preposterous to say that at the central level, we will have no major difference in outlook towards domestic security from either camp.

The NDA may position itself as hawkish on security, yet under their tenure we were no better off than we are now on the question of domestic safety. What may turn out to be a more prudent approach while deciding on which side to vote for if domestic security is a major concern for the voter, would be to keep a look out for who is tipped to be the Home Minister and National Security Adviser under either government. A capable, rational and indefatigable leader in-charge of domestic security may be a better bet than voting along party lines this time around. If you fear the BJP will remain soft on right-wing, vigilante groups such as the Bajarang Dal, then the Congress may lapse in to a deep slumber regarding national security in order to not disturb the status quo.

A few important issues to take note of while deciding would be:
External terrorist threats are essential to monitor, yet more people die in India each year due to clashes between groups born within our borders. The next government must have a comprehensive program to bring fringe violent groups in to a dialogue with the Indian state to curb down this violence. A million mutinies at home only make us weaker and less coordinated as we try to tackle the threat from beyond our borders.
Secondly, the strengthening of domestic security forces in terms of providing better training, equipment, allocation of funds and human resource management. Our internal security agencies need a complete revamp, so look out for candidates with a plan to tackle the same.

Voters must emphasize that political parties address these broad issues in their campaigns. Or else, simply based on historical precedent, we will not receive a concrete agenda and policy from either coalition. In the coming days of the election campaign, watch out for which side addresses the issues outlined above comprehensively, so we all may feel safer and more secure.