Strengthening National Security
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Strengthening National Security

In simple terms, national security means providing citizens with stability, security, and protection from internal and external threats.

Syed Showket

Before writing about ‘National Security,’ it is essential to first understand what security means and the role it plays in safeguarding a nation and its citizens. National security is often delegated to the shoulders of security agencies, rather than being viewed as an individual responsibility.

National security refers to the protection and preservation of a nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the well-being of its citizens against potential threats and challenges. These threats often stem from social challenges and are induced at the societal level to undermine national security. A threat to national security is, ultimately, a threat to the common people and their well-being.

Let us explore the concept of National Security and understand how to strengthen it to create a terror-free environment that fosters peace, progress, and stability in all social affairs, both individually and collectively.

In simple terms, national security means providing citizens with stability, security, and protection from internal and external threats. For example, consider the case of Kashmir. Over the last thirty years, the region has faced immense challenges due to the loss of national security. The loss of stability can be attributed to the rise of terrorism.

The violence, turmoil, and radicalization during this period allowed our enemies to infiltrate the region, propagate terrorism, and destabilize the state. This ultimately jeopardized the safety of our lives and severely impacted our day-to-day existence.

Understanding national security means supporting the army, especially those fighting against terrorism and making every effort to secure the state from the scourge of terrorism. Compromising national security endangers the lives of common people and threatens their well-being. It has always resulted in death and destruction.

As citizens, we must remain conscious of our national integrity and be aware of both internal and external threats. We need to be diligent in fostering security at every level. At the grassroots level, citizens should promote awareness and develop actionable plans to strengthen national security.

Today, thanks to the efforts of the Indian Army, national security has become stronger. A few decades ago, many citizens in Kashmir were not aware of their responsibilities regarding issues that threatened national security, which ultimately devastated the lives of Kashmiri people.

The relentless efforts of the Indian Army paved the way for a better understanding of integrity and national identity. Now, the people of Kashmir have come to recognize the importance of national security and are extending their support to the security forces in the fight against terrorism.

In order to make our national security solid and strong and counter terrorist activities, we need to incorporate the following: provide civic knowledge, which is currently lacking. Awareness of national security and its importance must be at the forefront of society. The stronger it becomes, the more stable the state and nation will be, fostering peace, development, and progress.

The identification of enemies is essential. Internal and external threats must be taught to every citizen to make them more responsible towards their societal duties. Providing military training and techniques to address immediate problems the society might face is crucial. Additionally, counseling and safety rules must be imparted to combat social crimes, which can ultimately become national threats. Every individual must act as a soldier of the nation to protect its sovereignty and strengthen its national security.

We can introduce stories of nations whose national security was compromised, leading to their collapse and status as rogue states. This topic can also be incorporated into school curricula so that the younger generation understands its causes and effects.

We need to encourage those who report threats to national integrity. A live example from Kashmir is when some terrorists, who were receiving shelter and protection from the local population, were reported to the Indian Army, leading to the terrorists being neutralized on the spot. Such understanding needs to be developed among the youth.

The Army must conduct programs, workshops, and training sessions for youth regarding national security. The Army plays a crucial role in our lives and can also act as nation-builders since they understand and sacrifice their lives for the security and sovereignty of the nation.

In conclusion, compromising national security means compromising our integrity and sovereignty, which can lead to the destruction of lives and poverty.

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