UPSC Mains 2019 GS3 Q9 — Internal Security
The banning of 'Jamaat-e-Islami' in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize influence of OGWs. (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- ExamineDiscuss
- Scope keywords
- banning of 'Jamaat-e-Islami'Jammu and Kashmirover-ground workers (OGWs)assisting terrorist organizationsinsurgency affected areasneutralize influence
- Implicit sub-parts
- Define OGWs and the 'gray zone' they operate in between civilians and combatants.
- Categorize the specific logistics, intelligence, and ideological support OGWs provide.
- Evaluate the radicalization and recruitment pipeline managed by OGWs.
- Propose a multi-pronged strategy (legal, kinetic, and socio-economic) to decouple OGWs from the local population.
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing too much on the history of Jamaat-e-Islami rather than the broader mechanism of OGWs.
- Confusing OGWs with active militants; OGWs are often 'sleeper' elements without visible weapons.
- Suggesting only purely military solutions while ignoring the need for counter-radicalization and de-radicalization.
- Failing to mention the legal framework such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) used for such bans.
- Dimensions required
- Security and IntelligenceLegal and JurisprudentialSocio-Psychological (Radicalization)Technological (Digital OGWs/Social Media)Economic (Funding channels)
- Marks allocation hint
Spend approximately 30 words on the introduction and context of the JI ban. Allocate 60 words to examining the multifaceted roles of OGWs (logistics, intel, narrative building). Use the remaining 60 words for a robust discussion on neutralization measures, balancing hard security with winning hearts and minds.
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