DAW 12th November 2025, Mains Answer Writting 2026

DAW 12th November 2025, Mains Answer Writting 2026

Question

What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats. (250 Words, 15 Marks). 

Model Answer

Approach: 

Introduction:  

  • Define internal security 

  • Emerging threats: terrorism, insurgency, LWE, cybercrime. 

Body: 

  • Security Challenges 

  • Role of Intelligence & Investigative Agencies 

  • Way Forward 

Conclusion: 

  • Internal security = foundation for Developed Bharat @2047 

  • Emphasize synergy, intelligence-driven governance 

  • Safeguarding democracy, integrity, and rule of law 

  • Introduction: 

  • Internal security refers to the protection of a nation’s sovereignty, stability, and integrity from threats emerging within its borders or having internal dimensions of external linkages. It entails maintaining law and order, safeguarding citizens and institutions, and ensuring peace and governance. Challenges like terrorism, insurgency, left-wing extremism, communal violence, and cyber threats demand a robust, coordinated, and intelligence-driven response. 

 Body: Security Challenges in India:  

  • Terrorism and Extremism: 

  • Persistent threat from Pakistan-based groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) - e.g., 2008 Mumbai attacks, 2019 Pulwama attack. 

  • Rise of hybrid terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir and revival of Khalistan separatism pose emerging threats. 

  • Left-Wing Extremism (LWE): 

  • Active in around 11 states (notably Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra). 

  • Continues to challenge governance and development in tribal and forested areas. 

  • Insurgency in the North-East: 

  • Rooted in ethnic identity, autonomy, and resource control demands. 

  • Groups like ULFA (Assam) and NSCN (Nagaland) remain active, though peace accords have reduced violence. 

  • Illegal Migration and Border Management: 

  • Porous borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar facilitate illegal migration, leading to demographic changes and local tensions (e.g., in Assam and Tripura). 

  • Communal and Caste-based Violence: 

  • Religious conflicts and caste crimes periodically disrupt social harmony and law & order across states. 

  • Organized Crime and Narcotics Trade: 

  • Networks involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms smuggling, and money laundering often overlap with terror funding. 

  • India’s location between Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle heightens vulnerability. 

  • Cybersecurity Threats: 

  • Rapid digitization has led to increasing cybercrimes, data theft, and threats to critical infrastructure. 

  • Social media is being used for radicalization and spreading disinformation. 

  • Maritime Security: 

  • India’s 7,500 km coastline faces risks from piracy, smuggling, and terror infiltration by sea (as seen in the 2008 Mumbai attacks). 

 Role of Investigating Agencies in addressing these Internal Security threats: 

  • Terrorism: Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies are pivotal in detecting, preventing, and mitigating terrorist activities. 

  • NIA: Deal with the investigation of crimes. 

  • Intelligence Bureau: An apex intelligence body that collects and collates information within the country and also executes counter intelligence and counter-terrorism operations. 

  • Research and Analysis Wing (RAW): Conducts counter-terrorism operations 

  • National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID): Using ICT, track down suspected terrorists and prevent terrorist attacks. 

  • National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC): Coordinate all counter-terrorism measures. 

  • Naxalism/Maoism: 

  • Central agencies provides assistance in training, modernization and upgradation of the State Police and their Intelligence apparatus. 

  • Insurgency: Intelligence agencies, RAW and IB, in coordination with the military's intelligence units, play an integral role in surveillance, counter-insurgency operations, and crisis management. 

  • The National Security Guard (NSG) leads counter-terrorism operations, while the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) assists in maintaining law and order. 

  • Border Security: The Border Security Force (BSF), Assam Rifles, and other paramilitary forces work with intelligence agencies to fortify borders, combat smuggling, and infiltrations. 

  • Coastal and Maritime Security: The National Committee for Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security (NCSMCS), led by the Cabinet Secretary, ensures robust coastal and maritime security measures. 

  • Cyber Threats: Cyber Crime Units and specialized cyber cells focus on combating cybercrime, 

  • National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) to safeguard the Critical infrastructure. 

  • Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In): CERT-In coordinates crisis management efforts and acts as a nodal agency for addressing cyber threats effectively. 

  • Counterintelligence: Intelligence Bureau and RAW monitor and counter espionage and foreign intelligence threats. 

  • Economic Crimes: Enforcement Directorate(ED) and Central Bureau of Intelligence (CBI) investigate and prosecute economic crimes and corruption cases. 

  • Example, scandals like Vyapam scam were exposed. 

 Way Forward: 

  • Integrated Intelligence Grid (NATGRID): Strengthen inter-agency data sharing. 

  • Capacity Building: Modernise cyber and forensic capabilities. 

  • Community Policing: Early detection of radicalisation. 

  • Border Infrastructure: Use of drones, smart fences (CIBMS) along borders. 

  • Legislative Support: Timely amendments to counter-terrorism laws (e.g., UAPA). 

  Conclusion: 

  • Ensuring internal security is vital for realizing the vision of a Developed Bharat @2047. It demands seamless coordination among intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and citizens. A robust and adaptive security framework thus remains essential to safeguard national integrity, rule of law, and democratic values.