India's recent appointments of new military and intelligence chiefs have brought the nation's security leadership into sharp focus, especially with a new challenge emerging in the state of Punjab.
The Modi government has made strides in addressing internal security issues, but Punjab's complex dynamics present a unique set of problems. With the decline of the Akali Dal's political influence and the rise of radical fringe elements, Punjab is experiencing a resurgence of tensions reminiscent of the 1980s and 1990s.
The Punjab Challenge
Pakistan's deep state has historically exploited Punjab's vulnerabilities, using the Kashmir and Khalistan issues to ignite internal security fires. This strategy was supported by Western powers, particularly the US and UK, as a means to counter Soviet influence in Afghanistan. Today, Pakistan continues to support terrorism in Punjab through a self-sustaining network of drug and weapon trafficking, utilizing drones to breach India's western border.
As Pakistan positions itself as a mediator in the US-Iran conflict and the Middle East turmoil, the pressure on Punjab intensifies. Propaganda films on OTT platforms and social media aim to tarnish the reputation of Punjab Police and security forces, focusing on human rights violations during the dark decades without acknowledging the targeting of security forces and the minority community by Pakistan-backed extremists.
The rise of religious fundamentalism and ineffective governance in Punjab further complicate the situation. The political-extremist mix has become more volatile, with trans-national gangs replacing terrorist modules. Folk musicians glorify extremist elements and gangsters, creating false role models for the youth, whose aspirations are increasingly focused on emigration to Western countries.
The Need for Action
The rapidly polarizing conditions in Punjab demand a proactive response from India's newly appointed security chiefs. The national security institutions must break free from bureaucratic inertia and embrace a more dynamic approach to threat assessment and intelligence gathering. They should not rely solely on technical intelligence or scraps of information from powers with vested interests.
The instruments of war and terrorist technology are evolving, yet our institutions remain stuck in the past. The idea that intelligence and service chiefs should have a moral compass, while important, should not hinder their ability to adapt and take calculated risks. The security establishment must invest in actionable intelligence and expand its influence to counter the threats emanating from across the western borders.
Rising Aspirations, Rising Threats
As India's aspirations rise under the Modi government, the challenges to national security will intensify. The world will not easily accommodate a new superpower, and attempts to hinder India's rise will be made overtly and covertly, utilizing false narratives propagated through OTT platforms and social media.
India must build up its pre-emption capabilities and strong deterrence to face these rising threats. This requires national security chiefs selected on merit and with a risk appetite, not those who constantly seek political direction. Punjab will be the first test for the new chiefs, and they must not falter.
