Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 21: Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), J&K Regional Branch, organized a lecture on “India’s Preparedness to Counter Unconventional Warfare Threats/Challenges”, which was delivered by Dr Sudershan Kumar, former Director General DRDO, Ministry of Defence, GoI.
Tracing back the historical legacy on unconventional warfare, Dr Kumar highlighted the new millennium threats which include CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear), Cyber, Space and Energy security. Deliberating on India’s preparedness, keeping in view the threat scenario in South Asia, he said that these threats can be countered by developing indigenous innovative technologies. He said that in future, defence capability development will be more complex and that consortium approach for identifying threats in different areas, forecasting technologies, and development and production has to be evolved.
Dr S S Bloeria, former Chief Secretary, J&K, who was guest of honour on the occasion, said that conventional means will always remain important and therefore conventional capabilities should be strengthened. He emphasized on the power of human factor and said that enduring peace can only be achieved by looking into social and cultural factors as well.
Dr Ashok Bhan, in his presidential remarks, said that conventional wars have become cost-prohibitive and the challenge ahead is to tackle the role of non-State actors who have acquired conventional capability. In context of Jammu & Kashmir, he said the challenge is to face the ‘non-linear war’ where a perception of confusion, disorder and insecurity is created in the population as political, social and cultural identities are pitted against each other. A synergized response covering both military and non-military measures like de-radicalization; strengthening of institutions of the State to prevent collapse within; strengthening of democratic institutions and stakeholder engagement is the required,” he added and recommended that an umbrella organization National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) should be established, which synergizes intelligence, investigation and operation.
Earlier, Brig (Retd) Sukhdev Singh, threw light on hybrid threats and the role of disruptive technologies which are required to expand the strategic horizon.
The lecture was organized under the guidance of Er J B S Johar, Vice Chairman and Sameer Rekhi Hony Secretary. Dr Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary IIPA conducted proceedings of the function and presented the formal vote of thanks.
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