Syllabus: Internal security: Border Management
Source: TH
Context: The government has sanctioned ₹31,000 crore to fence the Myanmar border, which spans 1,643 km across Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
The Home Minister cited border issues as a root cause of Manipur’s ethnic violence. So far, 30 km of fencing has been completed, with ongoing work in Manipur. The Free Movement Regime along the border has been scrapped. Efforts to restore peace between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, amid ongoing violence that has displaced over 60,000 people, are underway.
What is FMR?
FMR, implemented in 2018, the Free Movement Regime (FMR) permits residents on both sides of the 1,643 km India-Myanmar border to travel up to 16 km into each other’s territory without a visa. This requires a border pass with one-year validity, allowing a two-week stay. The border spans four states: Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.
The India-Myanmar border is a 1,643-kilometer international boundary running from the tripoint with China in the north to the tripoint with Bangladesh in the south. The trijunction between India, China, and Myanmar is yet to be agreed upon, with the de facto tripoint located just north of the Diphu Pass. The border traverses various geographical features, including the Mishmi Hills, Patkai, Kassom Ranges, Tiau River, and Chin Hills, before reaching the Bangladeshi tripoint through irregular lines.
The Government of India follows the principle of “One Border, One Border Guarding Force”:
- BSF secures the borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan.
- ITBP guards the China border.
- SSB manages the Nepal and Bhutan borders.
- Assam Rifles handles the Myanmar border.
- The Indian Army protects the LoC (Indo-Pak) and LAC (Indo-China).
- Coastal security is managed by the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and State Marine Police.
India shares borders with seven countries (Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Afghanistan) across diverse terrains, making it vulnerable to insurgency, illegal migration, and smuggling.
What is Border management?
It aims to secure border areas and safeguard our nation from the risks involved in the movement of goods and people from India to other countries and vice versa. The principle of “One Border, One Border Guarding Force” is followed by the Government of India to secure the border.
Importance of Effective Border Management:
- Counterterrorism: Effective border controls prevent the infiltration of terrorists and restrict the movement of arms and explosives.
- Limit Organised Crime: Tight border security curtails illegal activities such as drug and human trafficking, smuggling, and illicit trade.
- Suppress Cross-border Insurgency: A well-managed border deters insurgents from gaining a foothold, resources, or support from external sources.
- Preserve Sovereignty: Maintaining clear and secure borders upholds national sovereignty and ensures territorial integrity.
- Regulate Migration: Effective management facilitates legal migration while preventing illegal entries, thus ensuring demographic stability.
How poor border management affects internal security:
- Infiltration and Illegal Activities: Example: In states like Jammu and Kashmir, poor border management has led to the infiltration of militants and terrorists, contributing to ongoing conflict and violence. Increased cross-border smuggling of arms and drugs further destabilises these regions.
- Terrorism and Insurgency: Example: In the northeastern states such as Manipur and Mizoram, inadequate border control allows insurgent groups to cross into India from neighbouring countries like Myanmar, fuelling local insurgencies and violent activities.
- Smuggling and Trafficking: Example: In Punjab, porous borders with Pakistan facilitate the smuggling of drugs and contraband, leading to severe drug abuse problems and organized crime within the state.
- Cross-Border Crime: Example: In West Bengal, poor border management has allowed criminal gangs to operate with relative impunity, leading to increased cross-border trafficking of humans and goods.
- Economic Disruption: Example: In Assam, ineffective border controls contribute to illegal immigration and land encroachments, straining local resources and creating socio-economic tensions, which further exacerbate internal security issues.
Current National Security Measures to Address Border Security Threats:
| Category | Measures |
| Institutional Mechanisms | • Border Security Force (BSF): Guards India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. • Assam Rifles: Operates in the northeastern states, focusing on counter-insurgency and border management. |
| Legislative Measures | • Border Security Force Act, 1968: Legal framework for BSF’s operations including border security and counter-insurgency. • National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008: Supports investigations into terrorism-related offences, including cross-border threats. |
| Schemes and Programs | • Integrated Border Management System (IBMS): Uses physical barriers, surveillance equipment, and communication networks. • Smart Fencing: High-tech fencing along critical borders. • Border Area Development Programme (BADP): Infrastructure development in border areas. • NATGRID: Central database for intelligence sharing. |
| Cooperation with Local Communities | • Community Policing Programs: Engages locals in reporting suspicious activities. • Village Defense Committees (VDCs): Local committees assist in surveillance and intelligence gathering, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. |
| Technological Advancements | • Drones and Surveillance Systems: Real-time monitoring using drones. • Electronic Surveillance and Monitoring: Includes thermal imaging and motion detectors for advanced border surveillance. |
Conclusion:
Madhukar Gupta Committee has given its recommendations broadly on the issues of threats and border protection, assessment of force level, deployment on the border, infrastructure and technology issues for protection of border and administrative issues. A strong collaborative initiative is required with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Defense ministry as well as involving other defense ministries from the neighboring states.
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