Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas;
Q5. “The emergence of non-traditional targets such as tourists reflects a strategic shift in terrorist tactics”. Assess the implications for national security policy. Suggest measures to address such threats. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question
Recent terror incidents targeting civilians and tourists have exposed evolving threat patterns in India’s internal security, necessitating policy reorientation.Key Demand of the question
The question requires examining how targeting non-traditional civilian spaces reflects a strategic shift in terrorist tactics, and analysing its implications for national security policy. It also demands suggesting appropriate measures to address such emerging threats.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly highlight changing nature of terrorism towards soft targets and asymmetric warfare.
Body
- Shift in terrorist tactics: Explain how targeting tourists reflects evolution towards psychological, economic and symbolic disruption.
- Implications for national security policy: Show need for dispersed security grid, intelligence-led approach and balance with civil liberties.
- Measures to address threats: Suggest strengthening intelligence, technology integration and community-based security mechanisms.
Conclusion
Emphasise need for proactive, adaptive and balanced security framework in emerging threat landscape.
