SECURITY SCAN 5 : NIA raids on LeT terrorists, Rohingya issue, You tube Channels blocked, Firepower at LAC & countering Chinese Hybrid War
In lines with national security and China, from joint military and naval drills near Chinese border and South China Sea to exposing China’s soft corner for terror outfits, India is working on various strategies to counter China.
NewsBharati 20-Aug-2022 12:35:54 PM
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This article of Security Scan is a summary of important events that have taken place in last one week affecting, India's national security. Attempt has also been made to analyze these events and recommend certain specific actions that can be undertaken by India.
INTERNAL SECURITY
Terrorists Supporters Removed From Govt Jobs
The Jammu & Kashmir administration has dismissed the son of Hizbul Mujahideen chief and most-wanted terrorist Syed Salahuddin as well as wife of JKLF leader and terror accused Bitta Karate, both employed in its two different departments, over terror links. Two other senior academics working at Kashmir University were also shown the door, taking the total number of J&K government employees removed under Article 311 of the Constitution for supporting terror activities to 35.
Syed Abdul Mueed, who was working as an IT manager in Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), is the third son of Salahuddin, who escaped to PoK three decades ago to unite different secessionist outfits under the umbrella of the United Jihad Council. Salahuddin’s two other sons, Ahmad Shakeel and Shahid Yousuf, were dismissed from J&K government service earlier, also under Article 311. Both are currently in jail and facing trial. Three dismissed sons of Salahuddin were found to have been “inducted in the government in 2000s in brazen violation of norms and after circumventing the vetting process”.
Three more of Salahuddin’s six sons are still employed in J&K.
Because of appeasement politics , many relations of terrorists, their supporters like Huriyat conference have been employed in many government departments all these years. All terrorist supporters must be removed from all government jobs and government jobs should only be given to honest citizens and the victims of terrorist violence.
NIA Raids LeT Terrorist; 35 Consignments Weapons Dropped By Drones Recovered
National Investigation Agency (NIA) on 18th August raided LeT terrorist Faisal Muneer's residence in Jammu including multiple locations across J&K.
He took 35 consignments of arms and ammunition dropped via drone from Jammu to across the valley. Around 1 lakh cash was dropped via drone along with each consignment of weapons for terrorists.
Drones have been preferred mode of transportation of drugs and weapons on the International border from Jammu downwards. Security on the International border has to be strengthened by the BSF so that no Drone is able to come on the Indian side.
694 New ‘Madrasas’ And Mosques On Nepal Border
Bihar Police suspects that stricter vigil on the Bengal-Assam border has led to the new modus operandi of entering India via the open India-Nepal border. Illegal colonies have come up on the No-Man’s Land in this region. Uninhabited land around its highways is also being used to provide temporary shelter to illegal immigrants.
Police estimates that 694 new ‘Madrasas’ and mosques have been constructed on the India-Nepal border since 2018 at a cost of close to Rs 500 crore. The source of this fund is suspected to be countries like Turkey, Qatar and UAE. Busting of a PFI module in Bihar has kept agencies on their toes.
All persons who built illegal Madrasa and Mosque on the Indo Nepal border must be punished under the law of the land and all illegal construction demolished.
Illegal Rohingya Migration Detect and Deport
According to an estimate by the MHA, close to 40,000 Rohingya migrants live in different parts of the country, including Delhi. Last year, the central government told the Rajya Sabha that “illegal Rohingya immigrants” are staying in 12 states and union territories – Jammu and Kashmir, Telangana, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Karnataka and Kerala.
Detecting all illegal migrants like Bangladeshi and Rohigyas is one of the most important task of the security forces. Detected illegal immigrants should be deported. More important persons who help them to migrate to various parts of country should be caught and punished.
Home Minister Emphasizes Human Intelligence For Counter-Terror Action
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday stressed the importance of human intelligence in countering terrorism, especially the crucial role played by district level police officers in identifying emerging terror hotspots.
Home minister was speaking at a two-day National Security Strategies (NSS) conference began here on Wednesday, organized by the Union Home ministry, to address at the district level issues of counter-terrorism, radicalization, crypto currencies, counter rogue drone technology and challenges posed by Maoist outfits.
Union Home Minister on Thursday asked the directors general of police (DGPs) of border states, particularly West Bengal and Bihar, Jharkhand to keep special vigil on demographic changes taking place in their regions.
Emphasis is on strengthening the internal security and use of technology to face new challenges. “A system has been developed in the country for the first time in the form of the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS). We should percolate it down to the grassroots in addition to regular district level meetings of coordination committees.
Implementation of all the directions given by the home minister is a key to improving internal security. Strict monitoring of the directions given is also equally important.
Eight You tube Channels Blocked, With 114 Crore Views And 85.73 Lakh Subscribers
The government on Thursday ordered the blocking of eight YouTube channels, including one operating from Pakistan, for using “fake and sensational thumbnails” and spreading disinformation related to India’s national security. The fake, anti-India content, the government said, was being monetized(earning advertisement revenue)by these blocked
channels.
This is the fifth instance since December 2021 of the ministry invoking the emergency powers available to it under the IT Rules to block digital media resources. So far, the government has issued directions for blocking 102 such channels on YouTube and other social media platforms.
The eight blocked channels, with more than 114 crore views and 85.73 lakh subscribers, are Loktantra TV, U&V TV, A M Razvi, Gouravshali Pawan Mithilanchal, SeeTop5TH, Sarkari Update, Sab Kuch Dekho and Pakistan - based News ki Duniya.
Government needs to be complemented for banning all anti Indian YouTube channels. However there are still a lot of web pages on the social media which publish anti Indian content. They also should be blocked and persons running them punished.
ATMANIRBHAR INDIA
Proposals With IN-SPACe Jump To 100; 54 Relate To Satellites, 21 To Rockets; 43 From Startups
In an indication that Space activity outside of ISRO is gaining pace, the number of proposals before regulator-and-promoter Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has nearly touched 100, growing from about 40 at the end of 2021.
Out of the 97 proposals before IN-SPACe, 43 are from startups, while 15 are from academia.
Use of space for nation building is important and capabilities created must be utilised as much as is being done by USA.
EXTERNAL SECURITY
Army Boosts Firepower Along LAC, Deploys New Assault Vessel In Pangong Lake
The Indian Army has improved its capabilities along the LAC and inducted a new assault vessel. The Landing Craft Assault can carry 35 combat troops at a time and can reach any area of Pangong Lake in a very short time.
Indian Armed Forces Integrating Niche Technologies
While the gamut of emerging technologies is largely comprising areas seemingly unconnected such as AI, blockchain, VR/AR, 5G connectivity, quantum technology, the aim is to transfer the cognitive load from humans to machines, freeing them to perform higher cognitive tasks and aiding in decision making processes to ensure better security.
Raksha Mantri Hands Over Indigenously-Developed Equipment & Systems To Indian Army
Future Infantry Soldier, new generation anti-personnel mine, upgraded sights system for tanks, high mobility Infantry Protected Vehicles & Assault Boats among the state-of-the-art equipment has been handed over for operational use. The systems will enhance operational preparedness of the Army.
Building up of operational capabilities in terms of infrastructure, weapons ,induction of new technologies is a key to improve combat potential of the troops deployed on the LAC.
Chinese vessel delayed but ----
Sri Lanka has allowed docking of Chinese research ship at Hambantotaport from Aug 16 - 22 for “replenishment purposes”.
India was able to delay movement of Chinese vessels affecting India’s coastal security, but in the end Chinese money power seems to have won the round .We should go slow in providing economic aid to Sri Lanka.
Taiwan Hybrid War
Taiwan’s Digital Affairs ministry turns to Web3 to guard against mainland China cyber attacks following Pelosi’s visit. Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs’ new website is integrating Web 3 components to ensure access amid cyberattacks from mainland China Digital Minister Audrey Tang told media that Taiwan is ‘late’ to Web3, but the new website has not been hacked since launching a week ago .
In spite very severe cyber attacks, China has not been able to breach cyber security of Taiwan. We have to learn a lot from Taiwan with respect to protecting our cyber boundaries.
COUNTERING CHINESE HYBRID WAR
U.N. : 'Forced labour' is taken place in Xinjiang
Forced labour of members of minority groups Is taking place in China's Xinjiang region, the UN's top expert on slavery said in a report released this week. The findings were "based on an independent assessment of available information.
Human rights challenges in China must be highlighted at regular intervals at world forums.
Firm Message To China
As part of India’s plan to counter China, India made arrangement to fly the 14th Dalai Lama from Leh to a 15h century monastery near Lingshed, one of the remotest villages of Ladakh. A military helicopter was pressed into service by India to fly the Dalai Lama to that place. India released pictures of the Dalai Lama with IAF to give China a firm message. The Chinese government has been expressing displeasure over the Indian government facilitating the visits of Dalai Lama.
India has already started a diplomatic campaign to expose on the global forum China’s soft corner for Pakistan-based terror outfits in the light of China blocking UN listing of JeM’s deputy chief Rauf Asghar as a global terrorist.
India's relentless and proactive diplomacy has resulted in hosting a special Counter Terrorism meeting at United Nations. This will help world to control terrorists activity.
Indian Navy's ships across six continents
Dedicated to 75 stalwarts of India's Freedom Struggle as a remembrance of their sacrifices for the nation, Indian Naval Ship (INS) Satpura conducted a 75-lap 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Run' at San Diego US Navy Base on Aug 15.
INS Satpura arrived at San Diego Harbour North American Continent on Aug 13 as part of commemorative visits undertaken by the Indian Navy's ships across six continents, three oceans, and six different time zones.
High-Altitude Combat Training In A Region Bordering China
India and the US will be conducting high-altitude combat training in a region bordering China from 18 to 31 Oct. “Similarly, India is encouraging countries such as the US, Indonesia and Australia to conduct combat exercises in the Indo-Pacific region to counter the growing Chinese maritime activity there.
Indian Sukhois, C-17 Egypt, Malaysia, Australia for major multi-nation exercises
Four Indian Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets and two C-17 Globemaster-III strategic aircraft have touched down in Australia for the major `Pitch Black’ air combat exercise, which will see participation of 100 aircraft and 2,500 military personnel from 17 nations. The Sukhois were refueled mid-air by tankers of the French Air & Space Force, which is taking part in the exercise along with the air forces from the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and UAE. The exercise will focus on “large force employment warfare” from Aug 19 to Sept 8.
The Pitch Black comes after the IAF also sent Sukhoi fighters and C-17 aircraft for the “tactical leadership programme” to the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) Weapon School at Cairo West Airbase, in June-July.
Earlier this month, an IAF contingent of four Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets, a C- 17 aircraft and an IL-78 mid-air refueller had gone to Malaysia to participate in the bilateral `Udarashakti’ air combat exercise. India is a frontrunner to sell the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft to Malaysia.
“Quad” countries have declared their intent to deter any “coercion” in the Indo-Pacific with an eye firmly on China.China’s expansive military build-up and its assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific is the `biggest security anxiety’ for all 17 countries.
Anti-China sentiments globally are on the increase. India should also further strengthen its ties with Taiwan, Japan, Southeast Asian countries to counter aggressive Chinese designs in various fields.
Igniting Dormant Spirit of Patriotism
Under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a campaign titled Har Ghar Tiranga was to encourage the people to bring the Tiranga home and to hoist it to mark the 75th year of India’s Independence. It was a great success.
Igniting dormant spirit of Patriotism in every citizen will ensure that all Indians contribute to India's growth .The country will prosper only when every citizen contributes his might in developing the country. All unproductive activities must stop.
Conclusion
From joint military and naval drills near Chinese border and South China Sea to exposing China’s soft corner for terror outfits, India is working on various strategies to counter China.
While China is expecting India to join its neighboring countries in reiterating commitment to the “One China” principle, India has has not done so. India is finalising a comprehensive plan to carry out joint naval exercises with countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore in the South China Sea, the region that has been witnessing growing Chinese military expansionism.“
India is also encouraging other countries to conduct drills in the region where China keeps on flexing its muscles .The diplomatic meeting between India and NATO recently is being seen in this context.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday said on ties with China that “Our relationship is not normal now and without peace at the border it cannot be. The message is loud and clear that there is no question of India reaffirming the “stand on One-China principle”.
BRIG Hemant Mahajan
Passionate writer on National Security related issues, Brig Hemant Mahajan YSM (Retd) is M Sc, M Phil in Defence Studies. He joined IMA Dehradun in July 1973 and passed out as a Commissioned Officer on 15 June 1975. He was commissioned into 7 MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY. He has served extensively in Counter Insurgency Operations in Insurgency and Terrorist prone areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and North East and has taken part in all important operations undertaken by the Army since 1975.
Brig Hemant Mahajan served in Jammu & Kashmir, in the deserts of Rajasthan, in Super High Altitude areas of Kargil and Leh, forward areas of Arunachal Pradesh. He was deployed in Punjab in ‘Operation Avert’. He was also involved in maintaining peace post ‘Operation Bluestar’ days in Punjab in the worst affected district of Gurdaspur, Taran Taran and Amritsar.He served in the areas of Darjeeling, Kurseong, Siliguri and Sikkim. He commanded his battalion 7 MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY in Operation Rakshak in the most difficult areas of Poonch and Rajouri during the times of highest militancy. His unit was responsible for stopping terrorists from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir. His unit was awarded Unit Citation, 18 gallantry awards including YSM (gallantry) for the officer.