The overall internal security and law and order situation in the country remained largely under control during 2006, although there were some major terrorist incidents at some places including Varanasi, Mumbai and Malegaon. 21 ISI- backed espionage modules were neutralised during the year up to 21.11.2006 and 57 ISI-backed terrorist modules busted during the year up to 31.10.2006. A large cache of arms, ammunition and explosives was seized in Maharashtra. The level of violence in Jammu & Kashmir continued to show a declining trend. The security situation in the North Eastern States showed signs of improvement. The overall naxal violence was contained during the current year.

Jammu & Kashmir

The number of violent incidents declined by 15%, civilians killed came down by 28% and security forces killed decreased by 10% till November 2006, as compared to the previous year.

Prime Minister held discussions with APHC, led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on May 3, 2006. He also held talks with Chairman, People’s Conference, Sajjad Gani Lone on January 14, 2006 and Chairman, JKLF, Yasin Malik on February 17, 2006. A Round Table Conference was held on February 25, 2006 in New Delhi and another on May 24-25, 2006 in Srinagar. As a follow-up to the Prime Minister’s talks with various groups, 51 persons, detained under the J&K Public Safety Act, 1978 were released.

Honorarium for Special Police Officers has been enhanced from Rs.18,000/- to Rs.36,000/- per annum w.e.f. 01.09.2006.

5242 two-roomed tenements at a cost of Rs.185 crore are being constructed for accommodating all migrant families presently living in camps at Jammu. In phase-I, 1024 flats are under construction at Jammu. Construction of 200 flats at Budgam as transit accommodation for the return of Kashmiri migrants is nearing completion at a cost of Rs. 20 crore. Cash relief to migrant families has been enhanced to Rs.4,000/- per family per month in Jammu and Delhi w.e.f. 01.07.2006.

As part of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) with Pakistan, Poonch-Rawalakot bus service was flagged off on June 20, 2006.

North East

The overall security situation in the North-Eastern States has shown signs of improvement.  There has been a decline in violence in Tripura, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. In Meghalaya, the violence has been contained.  However, in Assam and Nagaland, the violence has gone up due to increased activities of United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA)  and factional clashes between National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN)(I/M) and NSCN(K). Mizoram and Sikkim continued to be peaceful.

            As per the revised policy on Modernization of State Police Forces, all the North Eastern States except Sikkim are eligible to receive 100% grant of the approved Annual Plan. For Sikkim, it is 75%.

The existing Suspension of Operations/Ceasefire with NSCN (I/M), NSCN(K), United Peoples Solidarity (UPDS), Dimah Halam Dagrh (DHD), ANVC and National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) have been periodically renewed

The Government also took initiative to start dialogue with ULFA in Assam and also declared unilateral Suspension of Operations. Since there was no direct response from ULFA, counter-insurgency operations have been resumed.

Naxal Situation

Except in Chhattisgarh, where incidents and casualties registered a steep increase, naxal violence in the affected States was contained during the current year.

The Central Government has ear-marked additional funds of Rs. 100 crore under the Police Modernisation Scheme for the naxal-affected States for purchase of de-mining equipment, latest telecommunication equipment and modern weaponry in vulnerable police stations.  

An Inter-Ministerial Group has been constituted to essentially review the implementation of Centrally sponsored schemes undertaken particularly in naxal-affected areas. 

An Empowered Group of Ministers, headed by the Home Minister and comprising some Union Ministers and Chief Ministers has been set up to closely monitor the spread of naxalism and evolve effective strategies to deal with the problem.

Recently, an Anti-Naxal Cell headed by an Additional Secretary has been set up in the MHA with a view to ensuring periodic review and close monitoring of the Action Plans drawn up by the States to deal with the naxal problem.

Strengthening of Police Apparatus

Under the Scheme of Modernisation of the State Police Forces (MPF Scheme), Rs.1,025 crore was spent in 2005-06 and the expenditure is likely to be over Rs.1,100 crore in 2006-07. Within the MPF Scheme, focus has been given on upgrading the standards of metropolitan policing and strengthening the critical police infrastructure in the 7 mega cities of Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai.  Starting from an investment of Rs.22 crore in 2005-06, expenditure of over Rs.100 crore is being undertaken in 2006-07 for modernizing the police in mega cities.

A Committee of experts, headed by Shri Soli Sorabjee was set up on 20^th September, 2005 to draft a new Police Act to replace the Police Act of 1861.  The Committee submitted the draft Model Police Act to the Ministry on 30.10.2006. Copies of the draft Act have been sent to State Governments for consideration, as they are competent to enact their own police laws. 

A Core Committee constituted, to review VIP security issues, has finalized its report.

Government approved a modernization plan for 7 Central Para-Military Forces at an estimated cost of Rs.4,185 crore. The total amount spent so far is Rs.2,148 crore (51.3%).  The forces have been equipped with 5.56 mm INSAS Rifles, bullet-proof jackets, night vision devices, AK-47 rifles, bullet-proof vehicles, various types of communication and surveillance equipment and various type of ammunition.

For strengthening the internal security scenario, Government approved raising of 79 battalions which includes 45 Battalions in the CPFs and 34 India Reserve Battalions. Cadres of CISF and CRPF have been restructured for improved effectiveness. Nearly 10000 posts have been added to the CRPF for meeting the needs of internal security and about 9500 posts to the CISF. 22 Battalions are being added to the ITBP to ensure better rotation and more diversified exposure to the new challenges of internal security.  The Recruitment Scheme of Constables in CPFs has been revised so as to provide more job opportunities to youth of border States and militancy affected areas.

CPFs played a significant role in peaceful conduct of Assembly elections in Bihar, Jharkhand, Haryana, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and UT of Pondicherry.  

A Centralized canteen facility for CPO personnel on the pattern of CSD has been introduced which will benefit more than 7 lakh CPF personnel immediately.

A long pending need of an Act to administer Assam Rifles in the present day context has been fulfilled with the passing of a new Assam Rifles Act which repealed the old Assam Rifles Act, 1941. The Sashastra Seema Bal Bill, 2006 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on 28.07.2006 and stands referred to the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs for examination and report.

Management of Borders

The total length of Indo-Bangladesh border to be fenced is 3,286.87 Km. out of which 2,435 Km. of fencing has so far been completed.  A pilot project for flood lighting along 277 Km. of Indo-Bangladesh border has also been completed. The work of construction of 1,902 Km. of fencing and 1,831 Km. of floodlighting has been completed out of 2,007 Km. and 1,989 Km. sanctioned respectively along the India-Pakistan border.

The Government has decided to undertake phase-wise construction of 27 roads links totaling 608 Kms. in the border areas along the India-China border in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarachal, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh at an estimated cost of Rs.912 crore.

Government has approved a proposal for setting up the Land Ports Authority of India for overseeing the construction, management and maintenance of Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) at identified entry points on the land borders of the country.

Disaster Management

During the year 2006, 22 States and 1 UT were affected by heavy rains, floods, etc. MHA, being the nodal Ministry, coordinated the relief, response and rehabilitation measures with the affected States/UTs, Central Ministries/Departments, other States and NGOs. A total amount of Rs.4557.53 crore comprising central share of the Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) and releases from the National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF), has been provided to all the States during the year 2006-07 till 1^st December, 2006 to mange the calamities.

Regional Response Centres (RRCs) are being set up at 15 places in different States and UTs. These RRCs are being equipped with a cache of essential equipment, which can be moved to the site of disaster so as to provide immediate relief to the affected people. 

In recognition of the pioneering role and activities of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), a SAARC Centre for Disaster Management was established in its premises at New Delhi. The Union Home Minister inaugurated the Centre on 10^th October, 2006.

International Co-operation

Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) were initialed/signed with Spain and Bulgaria. MLATs with Mauritius and Belarus have come into force. MoU on combating International Terrorism, Crime and Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs was signed with Saudi Arabia.

During 2006, Home Minister visited Singapore and discussed issues of strategic interest with the President, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and other senior leaders. Home Minister also visited Bangladesh in May, 2006 to attend the 1st meeting of the SAARC Interior/Home Ministers and held comprehensive discussions with the Home Ministers of the SAARC countries on security-related issues.

A Chinese delegation led by H.E. Mr. Chen Zhimin, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Public Security visited India in November, 2006. A Myanmar delegation led by their Home Minister, Major General  Maung Oo visited India in December, 2006.

Miscellaneous

With effect from 2^nd October 2006, the basic pension of freedom fighters and spouses of deceased freedom fighters was enhanced by Rs.2,330/- per month so that the total pension, inclusive of dearness relief, becomes Rs.10,001/- per month. 

Long term tourist visa for five years’ duration with a 90 day stay stipulation has been permitted for nationals of 18 countries.  Detailed guidelines have been issued simplifying the procedures for grant of visa to the Chinese.

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Bill, 2006 seeks to repeal Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976 and replace it with a new law to regulate the acceptance and utilization of foreign contribution or foreign hospitality by certain individuals or organisations.

The Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2006 seeks to amend various provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 to improve the functioning of criminal justice system.

The tenth meeting of the Inter-State Council was held on 9^th December 2006.

OK/RK