Author: Dr Prem Mahadevan

A timely warning forecast that analyses the social impact of increasing urbanisation and the massing of human populations in dense metropolitan slums. This is likely to compress social spaces and lead to an explosion in organised crime within the urban battlescape. The writer cites the chilling example of Brazil, South Africa and Mexico where crime syndicates and drug mafias fight regular battles with machine-guns and rockets and sometimes employ former Special Forces military personnel.

Author: Maj Gen (Dr) G D Bakshi SM, VSM (Retd)

The Indian nation state displayed tremendous political will and steely resolve in ensuring its internal security in the immediate wake of independence. It did not hesitate to use military force to compel the princely states to merge with the union or pacify tribal rebellions in the north-east. In the last decade however, there has been a significant erosion of the political will to use force in any form. This erosion of political will is most dangerous and worrying.

Author: Joginder Singh, IPS (Retd)

A hard hitting article by a highly respected former Director of the CBI that laments how the Indian nation state is going soft beyond a point of prudence. He highlights how we are failing to carry out the death penalty in respect of convicted terrorists, murderers and rapists. At least 100 people in 2007, 40 in 2006, 77 in 2005, 23 in 2002and 33 in 2001 were sentenced to death (but not executed), according to Amnesty International figures. More than 105 people in India were sentenced to death in 2010, but no one was executed during the year.

Author: Prakash Singh, IPS (Retd)

A highly respected Police Chief and former DG BSF, highlights his serious concern about the state of our Police forces. The state and central police forces are bearing the brunt of insurgents’ and terrorist onslaught. It is essential therefore that the police have the resources, the capability and the motivation to deal with these challenges. Unfortunately, however, the state police are in shambles.