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The three-day DGP/IGP conference, inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Bhubaneswar, focused heavily on emerging security challenges facing India, particularly along its eastern border. This emphasis reflects a strategic shift in national security priorities, acknowledging the evolving geopolitical landscape and the potential for transnational threats. Shah's call for a 'zero-tolerance strategy' underscores the government's commitment to addressing these challenges with decisive action. The conference brought together the top police officials from across the country, providing a platform for collaborative strategizing and information sharing. The participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi further highlights the significance of the event and the government's commitment to strengthening national security apparatus.
A key aspect of Shah's address was the acknowledgment of recent improvements in security across various regions, including Jammu and Kashmir, the North-East, and areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). This acknowledgement serves to highlight the success of existing strategies and to instill confidence in the ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability. However, the focus remained on future challenges, emphasizing the need for continuous adaptation and proactive measures. The introduction of new criminal laws, shifting the focus from punishment to justice-oriented approaches, represents a significant policy change. This reflects a broader societal shift towards restorative justice and rehabilitation, aligning with the government's broader vision of a more just and equitable society. The implications of this shift require careful consideration in terms of resource allocation, training, and judicial reform.
The conference served as a crucial forum for formulating a roadmap to tackle a wide range of existing and emerging national security challenges. These challenges include LWE, coastal security vulnerabilities, the growing menace of narcotics trafficking, the ever-evolving threat of cybercrime, and the complex issues related to economic security. The participation of top police officials from across India ensures that diverse perspectives and regional specificities are incorporated into the strategy development process. The collaborative effort aims to create a unified and comprehensive approach to national security, leveraging the expertise and resources available at the national and state levels. The discussions and strategies formulated at the conference will likely shape national security policies and resource allocation in the coming years.
The emphasis on achieving Prime Minister Modi's vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047 and becoming the third-largest economy by 2027 underscores the interconnectedness of national security and economic development. A secure and stable environment is crucial for attracting foreign investment, fostering economic growth, and improving the overall quality of life for Indian citizens. The successful conduct of the 2024 General Elections was cited as a testament to the efficiency and effectiveness of the police forces across the country, showcasing their capacity to manage large-scale events and maintain law and order. This success further highlights the crucial role played by the police force in upholding the democratic process and ensuring a peaceful and fair election.
The conference's emphasis on coastal security underscores the growing importance of protecting India's vast coastline from various threats, including smuggling, illegal immigration, and potential terrorist activities. Given India's extensive coastline and its strategic importance, strengthening coastal security measures is paramount to maintaining national security. Similarly, the focus on cybercrime reflects the rapidly evolving nature of criminal activities in the digital age. Addressing cyber threats requires advanced technological capabilities, effective legislation, and robust international collaboration. The successful implementation of the new criminal laws will be crucial to ensuring a more effective response to these challenges, emphasizing the need for ongoing training and investment in technology and human resources.
Source: Focus should be on challenges along eastern border: Shah to DGPs