Kashmir and Maoists will dominate the internal security concerns of the Narendra Modi government in its fourth year, during which it is likely to showcase a muscular policy to reverse the recent setbacks.

The Opposition has already raised its pitch on the Kashmir and Maoist fronts, accusing the government of following ill-advised strategies, which they claim are alienating the public and putting security personnel in danger.

The first five months of 2017 have been tough for the security establishment on these two fronts, following continuing protests in the Valley and frequent strikes by Maoists on security personnel.

Officials said one of their biggest worries is handling stone-pelting youths, including girls, and Islamist forces trying to usurp the separatist movement in the Valley.

The government flexed its muscles when it rewarded Major Leetul Gogoi, who triggered a controversy after using a Kashmiri youth as a human shield. It also went after the Hurriyat leadership on its funding while ruling out talks with separatists.

While the Opposition is finding faults with the government, it has not gone full throttle in its criticism fearing that their tough stand on Kashmir may put them on the back foot.

Another concern is bringing down the number of casualties among security personnel and avoiding Pathankot-type attacks in the Valley.

The government will also be looking at reviewing its anti-Maoist strategy after recent attacks by Maoists on the security forces, particularly the April 24 attack in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma where 25 CRPF personnel were killed.

Security forces lost 59 personnel in the first four months of 2017, against 31 during the same period last year.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) admitted that the Maoists have fine-tuned their counter-offensive strategy “quite well” after suffering huge setbacks last year.

An MHA document prepared last month said the Maoists are trying to extend their movement to newer areas and deflect attention of the security forces from the Dandakaranya region. As a result, the forces have stepped up activities in this region.

After a Parliamentary Standing Committee suggested the revival of the controversial National Counter Terrorism Centre, mooted by the previous UPA regime, the government is also looking at such a possibility. Officials told DH that this year the government may seek consensus from the states on the matter, they had previously opposed the idea saying a system involving over-arching intelligence is against the federal structure of the nation.

While the government is happy that the Islamic State has not attracted many Muslim youngsters in the country, the security establishment intends to keep vigil on the matter.

Kashmir, Maoists top priority in 4th yr