Conflict, Security, and Development.

The three words Conflict, Security and Development are verymuch inter-linked. Each one of these has a profound effect on the othertwo. When ever conflicts arise, be they between individuals, socialgroups or nations there is bound to be lack of security and when peacedoes not prevail economic development is hampered. If we look at thesein the reverse order we find that in areas where economic developmenthas not taken place over a long period of time, people tend to venttheir frustration against each other and against those in authority.Consequently there is insecurity, law and order breaks down andconflicts arise. Those who hold the reigns of government in their hands;those political parties who come to power and the armed forces who cometo the aid of the civil administration must realise that prolong use offorce by the militants and by the armed forces alike can tear thenational fabric as under. There is a need, therefore, to carry out aserious study of the co-relation between conflicts, security andeconomic development. This should be done both at the government andacademic level. Facts and figures must be assembled; data regarding theloss of lives, destruction of property and infrastructure should be madeavailable. Only then a realistic assessment of the impact insecurity ishaving on the economic health of the nation can be made. It has to be aholistic approach, including the rising population, illiteracy,unemployment, corruption and a host of other issues, which impact on thesecurity of the state and its economic growth.