Role of External State and Non-State Actors in the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in India and Its Impact on Internal Security

Introduction

The proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in India, influenced by external state and non-state actors, has significant implications for internal security. This proliferation affects various aspects of domestic stability, including criminal activities, insurgencies, and communal violence. This assessment explores the role of these actors in the proliferation of SALW and examines its impact on India’s internal security environment.

1. Role of External State Actors

a. State-Sponsored Support for Insurgencies

Pakistan and Insurgent Groups: Pakistan has been involved in providing arms and logistical support to insurgent groups operating in India’s border regions, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. Groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) have received arms from across the border, which have been used in numerous attacks, including the Pulwama attack of 2019. The availability of these weapons has exacerbated the insurgency and posed a direct threat to internal security.
China and the North-East: There have been allegations that China has provided indirect support to insurgent groups in India’s North-East, such as the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) and the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). These groups have reportedly received weapons and ammunition through clandestine channels, impacting the stability of the region.
b. Diplomatic and Covert Operations

International Arms Trade: The international arms trade, often facilitated by state actors, contributes to the proliferation of small arms. Countries with lax export controls can become sources of illicit arms smuggling into India. For example, weapons diverted from South-East Asia and Eastern Europe have been found in the hands of insurgent groups and criminal networks within India.
2. Role of Non-State Actors

a. Criminal Syndicates and Smuggling Networks

Arms Smuggling: Non-state actors such as criminal syndicates play a significant role in the proliferation of SALW through illegal smuggling operations. The India-Bangladesh border and the India-Myanmar border are known smuggling routes for arms. Recent investigations have revealed that these smuggling networks supply weapons to various criminal and insurgent groups within India.
Illicit Trade and Distribution: Organized crime groups, including gangs involved in drug trafficking, also deal in small arms. The Kuki-Chin drug trade in Manipur, for instance, involves not only drug trafficking but also the illegal arms trade, which supports insurgent activities and local criminal networks.
b. Extremist and Terrorist Organizations

ISIS and Domestic Threats: While ISIS has not been directly involved in small arms proliferation in India, its ideology has influenced domestic extremist groups that have sought to acquire and use SALW. For example, radicalized individuals and small local cells influenced by ISIS may engage in illicit arms trading to support their activities.
Local Insurgent Groups: Groups like the Maoist Naxalites use small arms in their insurgency against the state. These weapons often originate from illegal sources and contribute to violent incidents and attacks on security forces.
3. Impact on Internal Security

a. Increased Violence and Crime

Criminal Activities: The proliferation of SALW has led to an increase in violent crime, including armed robbery and gang violence. Cities like Delhi and Mumbai have witnessed a rise in crimes involving small arms, impacting public safety and security.
Insurgency and Terrorism: The availability of SALW has intensified insurgent activities and terrorist attacks. The Guwahati bombings and various attacks by Naxalite groups highlight how access to arms fuels ongoing violence and instability in conflict-prone areas.
b. Challenges to Law Enforcement and Security Forces

Operational Difficulties: Security forces face challenges in countering well-armed insurgent and criminal groups. The Chhattisgarh Naxal attack in 2021, where heavily armed Naxalites ambushed a security convoy, underscores the difficulties faced by law enforcement in dealing with groups equipped with advanced weaponry.
Increased Casualties: The use of small arms in conflicts leads to higher casualties among both security personnel and civilians. The Naxalite-Maoist insurgency has resulted in significant losses for security forces due to the widespread availability of arms.
4. Measures to Address the Issue

a. Strengthening Border Security

Enhanced Surveillance and Patrols: Improving border security measures to detect and prevent illegal arms smuggling is crucial. The use of technology such as drones and sensors can help monitor and control smuggling routes.
International Cooperation: Collaborating with neighboring countries and international organizations to address arms trafficking can enhance border security efforts. For example, India’s engagement with Bangladesh and Myanmar to combat cross-border smuggling has been a step towards mitigating this issue.
b. Legal and Regulatory Measures

Stringent Arms Control Laws: Enforcing stricter arms control laws and regulations can help curb the proliferation of SALW. The Arms Act, 1959 and its amendments need to be effectively implemented and updated to address new challenges.
Monitoring and Enforcement: Strengthening enforcement agencies and increasing penalties for illegal arms possession and trafficking can deter criminal activities. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) play key roles in monitoring and investigating arms-related crimes.
c. Community and Civil Society Engagement

Awareness Programs: Educating communities about the dangers of small arms proliferation and involving civil society in arms control efforts can help reduce local support for illicit arms trade. Community policing initiatives and awareness campaigns can build trust and cooperation between law enforcement and local populations.
Rehabilitation and Disarmament: Implementing disarmament and rehabilitation programs for former insurgents and criminals can help reduce the number of weapons in circulation. Programs like the Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy in Jammu and Kashmir aim to encourage insurgents to give up arms and reintegrate into society.
Conclusion

The proliferation of small arms and light weapons in India, influenced by both external state and non-state actors, poses significant challenges to internal security. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach, including strengthening border security, enforcing stringent legal measures, enhancing community engagement, and fostering international cooperation. By implementing these measures, India can mitigate the impact of SALW proliferation and enhance its internal security environment.

Strategies Adopted by External State and Non-State Actors to Exploit Religious and Ethnic Fault Lines in India and Measures to Promote Social Cohesion

Introduction

India’s diverse religious and ethnic landscape has often been targeted by external state and non-state actors seeking to exploit social divisions for various strategic and ideological objectives. These strategies have implications for national security and social stability. This evaluation examines the methods used by these actors to exploit religious and ethnic fault lines and discusses measures required to promote social cohesion.

1. Strategies by External State Actors

a. State-Sponsored Propaganda and Support

Pakistan’s Support for Separatist Movements: Pakistan has been known to exploit religious fault lines in India, particularly in Kashmir. The support for groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which promote anti-India sentiments and seek to destabilize the region, illustrates this strategy. The Pulwama attack of 2019, perpetrated by a JeM operative, was a direct result of such external interference.
Diplomatic Pressure and Internationalization: Pakistan has sought to internationalize the Kashmir issue, leveraging global platforms to highlight alleged human rights abuses and gain international support. This strategy aims to exacerbate internal divisions within India and pressure the Indian government.
b. Manipulation of Ethnic and Religious Tensions

China’s Role in North-Eastern Insurgencies: China has been accused of providing indirect support to insurgent groups in India’s Northeast, such as the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN). This support can exacerbate ethnic tensions and create instability in border regions, impacting national security.
2. Strategies by Non-State Actors

a. Radicalization and Recruitment

ISIS and Online Radicalization: Non-state actors like ISIS have exploited religious fault lines by using online platforms to recruit and radicalize individuals. ISIS’s propaganda has targeted disaffected Muslim youth in various parts of India, including Kerala, leading to several cases of individuals joining extremist groups.
Local Extremist Groups: Groups like the Bajrang Dal and Saffron Brigade have been involved in promoting radical Hindu ideologies and inciting violence against minority communities, contributing to communal tensions.
b. Social Media and Misinformation

Spread of Misinformation: Non-state actors use social media to spread misinformation and inflammatory content, exacerbating existing religious and ethnic tensions. The Delhi riots of 2020 saw the widespread use of social media to spread false information and incite violence between communities.
Manipulation of Community Grievances: Extremist groups and individuals often exploit genuine community grievances to stoke communal passions and deepen divisions. For example, incidents of mob lynching and communal violence have been sometimes fueled by false narratives circulated online.
3. Measures to Promote Social Cohesion

a. Strengthening Legal and Institutional Frameworks

Anti-Hate Speech Laws: Enforcing laws against hate speech and communal incitement is essential. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Cyber Crime Cells need to be empowered to tackle online hate speech and misinformation effectively.
Enhanced Law Enforcement: Strengthening law enforcement agencies to prevent and respond to incidents of communal violence can help maintain order and protect vulnerable communities.
b. Promoting Interfaith and Inter-Ethnic Dialogue

Community Engagement Initiatives: Initiatives such as the Gurgaon Dialogue and Aman Biradari work towards fostering dialogue and understanding between different communities. These programs encourage mutual respect and collaboration, reducing the impact of external and internal provocations.
Educational Programs: Integrating education on diversity, tolerance, and conflict resolution into school curricula can help foster a culture of inclusivity from a young age. Programs like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) can be used to enhance community projects that promote social harmony.
c. Enhancing Intelligence and Security Measures

Improving Intelligence Gathering: Enhancing intelligence capabilities to detect and prevent attempts by external and non-state actors to exploit communal tensions is crucial. The Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) facilitates better coordination and sharing of intelligence among different security agencies.
Community Policing: Implementing community policing strategies to build trust between law enforcement agencies and local communities can improve cooperation in preventing and addressing communal violence.
d. Leveraging Technology and Media

Countering Misinformation: Developing technology-driven solutions to detect and counter misinformation on social media platforms is essential. Collaborating with tech companies to monitor and control the spread of false information can mitigate its impact.
Promoting Positive Narratives: Media campaigns that promote positive narratives of unity and diversity can help counteract the divisive content propagated by external and non-state actors. The #UnityInDiversity campaign is an example of such efforts to foster national cohesion.
e. Economic and Social Development

Addressing Socio-Economic Disparities: Investing in socio-economic development in regions affected by communal and ethnic tensions can help address underlying grievances. Programs like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and Skill Development Initiatives aim to improve living standards and reduce socio-economic disparities.
Employment Opportunities: Creating employment opportunities and economic growth in marginalized communities can help reduce the appeal of extremist ideologies and foster a sense of inclusion.
Conclusion

External state and non-state actors employ various strategies to exploit religious and ethnic fault lines within India, impacting national security and social stability. Addressing these threats requires a multi-faceted approach that includes strengthening legal and institutional frameworks, promoting interfaith dialogue, enhancing intelligence and security measures, leveraging technology, and focusing on socio-economic development. By implementing these measures, India can foster social cohesion and mitigate the influence of divisive actors.