Communalism and related Issues: posing internal security threats

We live in a secular country which is a blend of many communities interlinked in such a way that it is difficult to differentiate by just looking at the way of living. All communities are meshed up and there colors when mixed up forms a unique color which represents the true color of India, the largest democracy on earth. Having various segments and traditions has its pros and cons and since a coin has flip side as well, our nation is also facing challenges to keep these different segments together peacefully. The uniqueness of integrity found in India is itself and an opportunity and a big challenge as well.

If we talk about security, we have well developed armed forces to protect our international borders and well equipped and trained police forces to handle internal matters, but the key of maintaining internal security is to stabilize peace among different communities as the communal harmony is the only way to secure internal security. The independence which was earned in 1947 was based on unity and the special provisions for the protections of minorities so that everyone could get equal rights and protection by law. The provisions and some special provisions were created so that the gaps can be filled among different classes but in recent times, these are being used to increase gaps among people.

Our Constitution ensures rights, freedom, liberty, equal opportunities etc to every individual but the people sitting on strong chairs in Indian politics are playing with the sentiments of common man by triggering the causes resulting in amendments which is creating a kind of gap and differentiating among people in the name of religion and communities. Recent reservations made for the certain community in Haryana region, which was the result of a violent mass destruction by certain people created a further strike on the heart of people with no reservation. This kind of violence can be seen in recent history which was either for the reservation demands or was among two religions fighting for certain causes. The causes like Ram Mandir/Babri Masjid etc create tension among communities and the beneficiary of the mass violence are the political parties. Growing unemployment and widening economic gaps among people is resulting into conflicts and violent tensions. Some of the communities failed to adopt significant quality education in masses and is not representing heavily in industries and this frustration results into communalism.

Communalism is not the only threat for internal security, but there could be many reasons for mass violence and which not only create a big dent in economy by damaging property but also create a wave of anger and hatred among people which impact the whole living style of people. The other reasons which could impact internal security can be unfulfilled promises of the political parties, delay of justice, loop holes in justice, lack of governmental supports etc. The side effects Nirbhaya kaand (Delhi rape case) in December 2012 was an example of failure of law and the street protest and violence in Delhi created a serious internal security threat. This created a fear among people that they are not secured in their own home town which created a sense of hatred towards the ruling people. Taking another scenario, a long traffic jam of more than 12 hours was noticed in Delhi Gurgaon region on 28^th July 2016 due to heavy rainfall and water logging and because of which a loss of around Rs 500 Crore is estimated by industrial sector. This shows the planning failure and lack of sense of responsibility of the people concerned, which was faced by middle class majority working in NCR region. This incident increased the frustration among people who were struck for many hours without food and water in that long traffic jam. These kinds of incidents are the triggers the mass frustration which could be seen on the streets in the form of protests or the wave of anger can be seen on media channels.

Some people in the name of freedom of speech are posing a serious threat not only to the security but also trying to change track of Indian youth. JNU issue related to a terrorist Afzal Guru triggered an alarm and Parliament came into action. These kind of incidents in which a group of people try to project a terrorist as a hero and openly talking to divide India is a serious matter and has to be addressed as soon as possible. These people enjoying subsidized Indian education and having Indian identity are taking about tearing India into pieces are destroying the peace and must be handled carefully. On other hand Naxalites and Jihadis are posing a serious threat to the internal security. Some of the states like Jharkhand, Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Maharashtra are threatened by Naxalites and Jammu and Kashmir is facing terrorism in the name of Jihad. These groups are against the government and are creating mass violence and destroying public property and peace.

The terrorist attacks in Mumbai and at parliament in Delhi in past years shook our country very badly and once again the sense of security vanished. No doubt, our armed forces gave a setback to those attacks but it started a chain reaction of talking about open borders and how and why our intelligence failed to know about these attacks in advance. The concerns regarding open borders are real as it gives chance to terrorists to enter in our country and it provides the passage for fake currency to enter India. These open borders are threat to the internal security and it has been proved many times.

The origination of armed group of people in the form of “Senas” based on caste and religion are creating a kind of terror among people. These people are affecting politics and normal people in some part of country and are badly trying to influence people to follow their rules and change their lifestyle according to them. Drug trafficking and money laundering are another threats which are trying to bleed our economy and our youth. Drug problem is spread throughout our country, but Punjab has been highlighted in recent times. A study done by Guru Nanak Dev University estimated that around 70% of men in Punjab could be drug addict. This study shows how our future is draining and how youth frustrated from unemployment is going on a bad track. This is threatening our country’s future.

There are n numbers of factors which are posing our future at risk and we all are responsible for stopping it as and when required. Not only government and armed forces are responsible but we the people of India have to take an active participation in order to protect our lifestyle, future and our coming generation. We are required to choose our government wisely so that the proper and needed work can be done in stipulated time. We have the voting rights which have to be used effectively and wisely. Our security is hidden in the harmony among communities so we all are required to think above our community and must consider India as a complete society in which we can live in harmony.