Since independence in 1947, India has been tested several times to counter attack external and internal threats to national security. Government institutions like Indian Army, Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Home Guards and Border Security Force (BSF) are formed to maintain peace and order in the country.
Border Security Force was established in 1965 with increasing pressure to secure international borders from our neighbouring countries. They also work closely with other security forces in the times of emergencies. The outdated use of technology in guarding Indian border with Bangladesh and corruption prevalent is evident with the rise of insurgents from Bangladesh. BSF also have been accused of killing civilians across Indo-Bangladesh border. Innocent civilians have been the victims time and again. Indian Army formed to preserve our national security and famous for ground attacks also have been accused. Since Independence, Indian Army has fought four wars in Pakistan and one with China. In spite of our corrupt political system, Army has been able to win wars and safeguard our citizens. They also have been indulged largely to maintain peace and order in Jammu & Kashmir and North East India. Human right violations are largely reported from these areas. Rape and killings of civilians in counter insurgency and counter terrorism activities keep haunting the Indian Army. Though terrorist incidents might have come down since independence, but casualties and politicization have disturbed the internal peace of Jammu & Kashmir. Indian Army also has been accused of rape and murder in Manipur. As per the Amnesty International Report, Indian Army has misused the enormous power of search, arrest, detain and kill to maintain public peace. The power of official killing in Manipur has given rise to many public protests. The case is similar in Assam when Army was involved to neutralize United Liberation Front of Assam. Many tribal have been killed.
Indian Police Force has been constantly criticized in their handling of state affairs. They are primarily responsible for maintaining peace, enforcing the law and preventing crime. Indian Police comes under the responsibility of individual states and its failure to modernize training drills, weapons and other equipment has been exposed during several incidents. Recent Mumbai killing, have given rise to the need of reforming the entire police system. Ill discipline and political patronage has corrupted the Indian Police system. Increasing crimes and involvement of Police with mafias in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal does not help to maintain peace and order. It is estimated that there are only 140 police to control one lakh population, which is comparatively low to other countries. Politicians dictating Police in states in several cases have corrupted the entire police system right from selection of officials to implementation of plans. Lack of security is a growing concern with increasing terrorism. With increasing population and economic power, India needs to reform Police system and give them authority to function.
