Approach:
- Introduce the north east and border Area sensitivity.
- Mention the challenges further
- What are the steps taken by the government.
- Steps to counter these challenges.
Model Answer:
In Indian case borders are quite complex and almost every type of extreme geography is present at different borders viz. deserts, fertile lands, swampy marshes or tropical evergreen jungles. It has 14818 kilometers of land borders and a coast line of 7516.6 kilometers.
All states except Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Telangana, Delhi and Haryana have an international border or a coast line. 92 of India’s 593 districts are border districts in 17 states.
India’s boundary with Pakistan (3323 km), China (3488 km), Nepal (1751 km), Bhutan (699 km), Myanmar (1643 km), and Bangladesh (4096.7 km).
Border management becomes more important for the fact that India is like island of democracy between seas of anarchical or instable states. Probably, no other neighbouring country has experienced uninterrupted democratic regime for more than 15 years.
Additionally, in some countries there is cultural radicalism which is targeted on India, and terrorists and mafia groups are patronized by some of India’s neighbouring states.
There is cross border smuggling problem of drugs, cattle, humans, artifacts, fake currency note etc. Unfortunately, in this scenario our border forces appear to be severely undermanned and under-equipped which is taking heavy toll on economic, social and political stability of our country.
The location of the Indo-Myanmar boundary throws up many challenges for the effective management of the boundary. Though the boundary is properly demarcated, there are a few pockets that are disputed. The rugged terrain makes movement and the overall development of the area difficult.
The internal dynamics of the region in terms of the clan loyalties of the tribal people, inter-tribal clashes, insurgency, and transborder ethnic ties also adversely affect the security of the border areas.
There is practically no physical barrier along the border either in the form of fences or border outposts and roads to ensure strict vigil. Insurgents make use of the poorly guarded border and flee across when pursued by Indian security forces.
Close ethnic ties among the tribes such as Nagas, Kukis, Chin, etc., who live astride the border help these insurgents in finding safe haven in Myanmar. These cross-border ethnic ties have facilitated in creation of safe havens for various northeast insurgent groups in Myanmar.
Various other challenges emanating from Indo-Myanmar border:
- Illegal migration: Myanmar shares a border of 1643 km and the turbulent socio-economic conditions here result in influx of illegal migrants into India. They are perceived by the locals as a threat to their demographic composition. Eg persecution of Rohingyas is driving them into India.
- Smuggling: Being a part of the infamous golden triangle, Myanmar poses threat of drug smuggling into India. Also smuggling of weapons, cattle, fake Indian currency poses a grave threat.
- Trafficking: Vulnerable women from across the border are being trafficked into India.
- Terrorism: Though major threat from international terrorism emanates from Pakistan, terrorists use Myanmar border to get into India as the security set up Indo-Pak doesn’t allow them to infiltrate.
- Misuse of FMR: Due to tribal affiliations among NE and Myanmar people, we have an agreement of Free Movement Regime, where a temporary visa free travel is allowed on both sides. This agreement is being misused by illegal elements.
Steps to counter:
- Border security infrastructure can be strengthened along with deploying more personnel along sensitive spots
- Robust intelligence sharing and cooperation with Myanmar government should be set up
- Engage Myanmar through diplomatic channels to bring a solution to the refugee crisis
- For long term solutions, India should partner with Myanmar to bring in economic development there. Development of Myanmar would also mean long lasting peace on Indian border.
Myanmar is an important country for India’s Act East Policy. Engaging productively with the neighbor is the most viable solution for not only security problems, but socio-economic issues too are intertwined with it.