NEW DELHII: The Army must stop paying lip service to its role in the internal security of the nation in view of replacement of the threat of a conventional war in the Indian subcontinent by the rising unconventional threat of terrorism and insurgency, according to a recent paper by senior Army Officer.
The changing pattern of threats faced by the nation, like in Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan directly aiding and abetting terrorism, makes it imperative that the Army must accord counterterrorist and counterinsurgency operations “the very highest priority,” Brig R.K.Nanayalty says in his paper.
Paper entitled “Use of the armed forces in aid to civil authority: Problems and prospects” which appeared in the latest volume of the journal of the New Delhi based National Defence College, suggests the formation of a “Supreme Council” with a specially selected Director of Operations at the highest-level so as to integrate Government policies and plans to counter threats to national security. It also suggests the appointment of a Minister of State for Internal Security for each specific problem area which is of national concern, like Minister of State for Internal Security Jammu and Kashmir).
The Minister should be supported by a “National Internal Security Council,” comprising representatives from various ministries, intelligence services, defence and Central police organizations, the paper calls for participation of the military leadership at the highest level in policy planning.
‘The paper Suggests the setting up of State Internal Security Councils headed by the Governor during President’s mule or by a Chief Minister when a popular Government exists, The Director of Operations on the State Council would primarily be responsible for detailed coordination.
Brig Nanavatty says the military leadership should advise the Government and “absolutely insist” on the imaginative application of the basic fundamentals of the internal security operations doctrine. The doctrine calls for unity of effort, joint and integrated functioning, cooperation and intelligence and psychological operations.
Referring to other forms of internal security threats, he suggests that whereas in maintenance of law and order situation the Army must only be called out after all other instruments of force have been used; in a developing terrorism to insurgency scenario it should seek intervention as soon as the threat is detected.
In counterterrorist on counterinsurgency operations, “early Amy intervention aids integration, the establishment and development of intelligence, psychological and special operations capabilities and through training and preparation,” the paper states.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 19, 1993
