Seminar on 'Internal Security' organised in Berhampur University

Solution to security problems linked to development

In present era, internal and external securities of a nation are interlinked, according to R. Baral, Special Secretary to Home Department of Manipur.

Speaking at a seminar on internal security organised on the campus of Berhampur University by the Centre for Canadian Studies of the university and Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, New Delhi, on Wednesday, Mr. Baral said that apart from security measures, development was the panacea for most security-related problems. It may be noted that Mr. Baral also held the post of Director-General of Police (DGP) in Manipur in the past.

The seminar also had former chief secretary of Odisha, S.B. Mishra, former director of Institute of Mathematics, Bhubaneswar, Swadhin Patnaik, and Vice-Chancellor of Berhampur University, Deeepak Kumar Behera, as guests. The seminar was attended by experts and students from the university and outside.

During his address in the inaugural session, Mr. Baral elaborated causes and effects of insurgency and its impact on internal security in the north eastern region of the country, especially in Manipur. He spoke on various aspects of internal security in the region including the ethnic rivalry.

Citing examples of north eastern States which have international border with countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar, the DGP of Manipur said it was observed that political and socio-economic turmoil in adjoining countries had a great impact on the internal security of the region.

Prof. Patnaik opined that there had been a shift of paradigm regarding internal security at present juncture. “At preset we have to discuss the problems of internal security in connection with the issues related to socio-economic security of citizens.” Mr. Mishra pointed out that although our country was secular as per the constitution, the citizens of the country were yet to become real secular, which was also a major threat of internal security.

Prof. Behera cited examples of tribal community living in remote areas and advocated growth with equity to be a major factor behind enhancement of internal security. Source: The Hindu