Recently, Union Home Minister inaugurated the 7th National Security Strategy Conference-2024 in New Delhi.
The roadmap for addressing the emerging national security challenges has been discussed with the top police leadership.
In this conference, the roadmap for addressing the emerging national security challenges has been discussed with the top police officer leadership.
Top police officials also discussed how to study issues related to tribal communities from a “non-colonial perspective.”
Salient features of NSSC, 2024:
NSSC:
It was conceptualized by the Prime Minister during the DGP / IGSP conference with the objective of finding solutions to major national security challenges through deliberations among the senior police leadership.
Diversity of participants:
This conference is a unique blend of top police leadership managing national security challenges, young police officers working at the cutting-edge level and experts from specific fields.
DGP / IGSP Conference Recommendation Dashboard:
A new dashboard developed by the National Crime Records Bureau has been launched.
It aims to assist in the implementation of the decisions taken during the Annual Conference of Directors General and Inspector Generals of Police held under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister.
Focusing on tribal issues with a non-Western approach:
The discussion stressed the need to adopt a non-colonial approach in addressing the grievances of tribal communities.
It is based on the idea that indigenous populations should not be treated in the same way as in the Western model (which historically maintained a sense of alienation and marginalization). Thus, the emphasis should be on respect, inclusion and empowerment of the indigenous population rather than controlling or excluding them.
Discussion on various security challenges:
Radicalisation of youth through social media, especially focusing on “Islamic and Khalistani radicalisation.”
Drugs and trafficking have become a major concern in internal security, affecting social and economic stability.
Security at non-major ports and fishing harbours, which pose significant risks for smuggling and other illegal activities.
Emerging threats and technological challenges:
Several emerging security threats have been discussed in the conference.
Fintech Fraud:
It focused on how financial technologies are being exploited for criminal activities.
Rouge Drones:
Countermeasures against ‘Rouge Drones “used for smuggling and surveillance were the focus of the session.
Exploitation of App Ecosystem:
Criminals are increasingly using mobile apps for illegal activities.
British Colonialism’s Treatment of Tribal Communities in India:
The Criminal Tribes Act, 1871:
During the British colonial rule, the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871 classified many tribes as hereditary, habitual criminals.
According to the British, they were naturally inclined to commit petty crimes.
Due to their perceived possibility of committing a crime at any time, a strict vigil was to be always maintained against them.
The Indian Forest Act, 1865:
The Act banned many of the daily activities of tribal communities, such as logging, cattle grazing, gathering of fruits and roots, and fishing.
Tribal communities were forced to steal wood from the forests, on being caught, they had to bribe the forest guards.
Forest Act, 1878:
It was more comprehensive than the earlier Acts.
Forests were classified as reserve forest, protected forest and village forest, thereby restricting the access of tribal communities to forests.
Provision was made to impose duty on timber.
The Indian Forest Act, 1927:
This Act classified forests into three categories, namely reserve forests, village forests and protected forests.
There is a ban on the entry of locals into the reserve forests, due to which the tribal communities face physical harassment upon their entry.
Permanent Settlement (1793):
The introduction of permanent settlement in tribal areas ended the traditional practices of collective and traditional ownership of land (Khutkutti system).
Exploitation by outsiders (dikus) such as police, traders and moneylenders aggravated the problems of the tribal communities.
Government of India’s Non-Colonial Approach to Tribal Communities:
The Habitual Offenders Act, 1952:
After independence, the Government of India replaced the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871 with the Habitual Offenders Act, 1952.
Communities that were notified as’ criminal ‘under the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871 had become “denotified tribes” and were no longer considered “born criminals.”
National Forest Policy 1952:
It recognized the tribal symbiotic relationship with forests and allowed protection, conservation and development of forests.
The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989:
It aims to prevent offences of atrocities against members of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
It provides for setting up of special courts to try cases of atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006:
The purpose of FRA 2006 is to compensate for the injustice done to forest-dwelling communities by colonial-era forest laws.
It gives the forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers the right of ownership over the land cultivated by the tribals or forest dwellers.
Challenges for Tribal Communities:
The colonial legacy of Kalank:
Despite the repeal of the Criminal Tribes Act in 1952, the stigma attached to tribal communities remains.
The colonial mindset of excluding tribal communities and treating them as unequal to the mainstream population has continued even after independence.
Challenges faced by Non-Scheduled Tribes:
Non-Scheduled Tribes lack legislative protection, making them even more vulnerable.
Increasing violence against tribal communities:
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data indicates a steady increase in such crimes, with incidents increasing from 8,802 cases in the year 2021 to 10,064 in the year 2022 (an increase of 14.3 per cent).
Madhya Pradesh (30.61 per cent), Rajasthan (25.66 per cent) and Odisha (7.94 per cent) reported maximum cases of atrocities against Scheduled Tribes.
State-wise variation in problems:
Prostitution rackets in Madhya Pradesh lead to exploitation of tribal communities while counter-insurgency operations against Maoists in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh adversely affect the population of tribal communities.
Disposal and Disposal:
Despite the protection of the FRA, some tribal communities are still facing eviction from forest land due to low levels of enforcement or lack of recognition of their rights. For instance, the Bodo, Rabha and Mishing tribes were evicted from the Orange National Park in Assam.
Addressing the challenges faced by tribal communities:
Addressing the historical stigma:
Public awareness campaigns, educational reforms and media portrayals must challenge stereotypes and promote respect for tribal communities.
Promoting Law Enforcement:
Strengthening the law enforcement machinery, increasing conviction rates and setting up fast-track courts for crimes against tribal communities are important steps to ensure justice.
Effective implementation of Forest Rights Act (FRA):
Efforts should be made to strengthen the implementation of FRA at the local level to ensure that tribal communities are not unjustly dispossessed of their land.
Arrangements such as land ownership verification, community participation in forest management and legal assistance to displaced tribal communities should be enhanced.
The protection of culture:
Support initiatives that promote and preserve the culture, language and traditions of tribal communities, thereby promoting pride and identity. such as festivals.
The political representation:
Ensure adequate representation of tribal communities in local governance and decision-making bodies so that they can voice their concerns. For example, reservation of seats for STs in Lok Sabha (Article 330), State Legislative Assemblies (Article 332) and Panchayats (Article 243) and proper implementation of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution.
