Source: The post is based on the article “PM Modi reopens security debate” published in “ Business standard” on 12th August 2023.
Syllabus: GS3- Security challenges and their management in border areas.
News: In this article author discusses the challenges faced by India during the 1960s. He consider 1960s the most tumultuous decade post-independence due to multiple internal insurgencies, wars with neighbors, political instability, and economic hardships. He also touch upon the 1980s for comparison.
What challenges did India face from its early post-independence years until the end of the 1960s?
Pakistan as an Adversary (1947-1952): Soon after gaining independence, India confronts Pakistan as a military threat.
Naga Insurgency:
Starts in the late 1940s.
Intensifies by the mid-1950s with China’s support.
Military operations and resettlement initiatives like “Protected and Progressive Villages” lead to human rights issues.
Emergence of China as a Threat:
By the mid-1950s, China’s looming presence becomes concerning.
The Dalai Lama’s escape to India in 1959 strains relations.
Indian and Chinese forces clash in Hot Springs, Eastern Ladakh in 1959.
Liberation of Goa (1961):
India launches a military operation against Portuguese-controlled Goa.
War with China (1962): India faces a major military conflict with China.
Kashmir Tensions (1963): The Hazratbal incident sparks unrest in the region.
Political Transitions:
Nehru’s death in 1964 creates a leadership vacuum.
Lal Bahadur Shastri takes over, facing multiple no-confidence motions before his sudden death in 1966.
India-Pakistan War (1965): A significant military conflict between the two nations erupts.
Rise of Mizo Insurgency (1966): Following Shastri’s demise, the Mizo National Front proclaims sovereignty, leading to internal strife.
Political and Economic Challenges:
Punjabi Suba movement and Dravidian secessionist impulses emerge.
India grapples with famines, economic downturns, and food aid dependencies.
These challenges highlight India’s tumultuous journey from its early post-independence years through the 1960s.
What challenges did India face during 1980s?
Punjab Insurgency:
Radical insurgency emerges in Punjab.
Operation Blue Star takes place in 1984, targeting Sikh militants inside the Golden Temple complex.
Kashmir Unrest:
Return of terrorism in Kashmir.
Hindus face targeted killings.
Mutinies in the Army: Sikh units in the Indian Army revolt after Operation Blue Star.
Massacres: Mass killings of Sikhs in Delhi and other regions following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984): A deadly gas leak in Bhopal causes thousands of deaths.
Border Tensions:
Near-war situation with Pakistan over Exercise Brasstacks.
Stand-off with China over the Sumdorong Chu region.
IPKF Operations in Sri Lanka: Indian Peace Keeping Force sent to Sri Lanka faces challenges.
Internal Political Instability:
Turbulence in politics, especially post-Bofors scandal.
These events marked India’s challenges and struggles during the 1980s.
What lessons should India learn from these challenges?
Negotiation over Force: Nehru’s delay in military intervention, hoping talks would resolve the Naga insurgency, emphasizes the importance of early dialogue and negotiations.
Internal Stability and National Security: The political transitions of the 1960s and the 1980s, like Nehru’s death without a clear successor and the challenges faced by Shastri and Indira Gandhi, underscore the interconnectedness of internal politics and national security.
Human Rights Concerns: The “Protected and Progressive Villages” initiative, which led to significant rights abuses, teaches the need for oversight and ethical considerations in security operations.
Vigilance with Neighbors: The Chinese threat in the late 1950s and early 1960s reminds India to maintain vigilance and regular diplomatic engagement with neighboring countries.
Preparedness and Resilience: The sudden Mizo insurgency at a time of national crises emphasizes the importance of always being prepared for unforeseen challenges.
National Unity during Crises: The diverse challenges faced, from the Punjab insurgency to the Kashmir unrest, highlight the need for promoting national unity and harmony.
Incorporating these lessons can provide India a holistic approach to handle current and future national security challenges.
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