Border Management of Western Borders of India

Mr Sanjai Singh

The conventional definition of border management that we are familiar with may not be able to comprehensively explain what the term stands for. An ideal definition should exhaustively cover the steps to be taken by all concerned agencies (not just military) to ensure not only the sanctity of the border but also the well-being of all that the borders encompass.

The Group of Ministers (GOM) recommendation states that "the term border management must be interpreted in its widest sense and should imply coordinated and concerted action by political leadership and administrative, diplomatic, security, intelligence, legal, regulatory and economic agencies of the country to secure our frontiers and subserve the best interest of the country''

Despite India's centrality, different geographical areas require different standards of security. There can be no horizontal stratification for accessing the standard of border security; on a specific segment of the border one has to go through many factors and not just geographically induced threat perception. Other trigger elements are: strategic importance of area, population pattern, incidence of trans-border crime, disputability, ethnographic profile of area, ecological security and security posture of opposing country.

Globalisation, media revolution and technological development in various fields have immensely impacted the border management framework. Now more comprehensive planning is needed to achieve peace and progress on borders.

Geocentrality of India and the fear of the smaller neighbouring states of India's size, economic resources and military strength has impacted on mutual relations. India faces military and non military threats from all countries with land border. Land borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh have witnessed rapid security affecting changes. Borders with Myanmar and Nepal are also causing serious concern. Pakistan and India have fought four wars over the issue of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The problems persist and proxy war unleashed to wrest J&K continues .Without peaceful borders with its neighbours India can hardly play its legitimate role in global affairs at this time of seminal global change.

India's border with Pakistan remained with various state police till 1965.K.F.Rustamji, the first DG of BSF, writes that in context of developments after Pakistan's deliberate intrusion in Kanjarkot area in Rann of Kutch in January 1965, the then PM, Lal Bahadur Shastri, wanted a review of security arrangement of borders with Pakistan and wanted a force controlled centrally to guard the borders. General J. N. Choudhry, The then Chief of the Army Staff, L.P.Singh and K.F.Rustamji, were closely associated in the raising of a central force viz BSF on 1st December 1965.

INDO-PAKISTAN BORDERS

India's borders comprise a vast variety of terrain encompassing deserts, plains ,hills, mountains and reverine areas .By and large, these borders are very porous due to the terrain and ethnic affinities of population on both sides of the borders. Illegal migration, infiltration of anti-national elements, smuggling of arms\explosive and drug trafficking are some of the serious problems.

The total length of border to be guarded on Indo-Pakistan borders is 3223 Kms running along the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab and J&K. It is clearly demarcated except for about 900 Kms of borders in J&K categorized as LOC and Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL).

AGPL and the LOC guarding is the responsibility of the Army whereas BSF is deployed on International Borders (IB). BSF deployed along IB has a strength of about18,000 personnel with 652 nos. of string line of BOP's whose average distance between each is about 5 Kms. Borders of Punjab, Rajasthan & IB in Jammu has been fenced except for small stretches; arrangement of flood light has also been done along the border and development of patrolling tracks along the fence is taking place.

Pakistan has been indulging in the nefarious games of cross border terrorism against India from its inception by exploiting the sensitivities of India's religious and cultural communities. There are number of training camps in POK in which terrorists are trained and sent inside J&K. Direct accessibility of the borders allows insurgent groups tactical flexibility. Some technological developments enabling quick passage of info, transfer of funds, underworld criminal gang's links with terrorist groups have changed the focus and tenor of border security. It is also worthwhile to mention that terrorists and subversive elements are using soft borders of India touching countries like Nepal and Bangladesh to enter India.

CHALLENGES TO BORDER MANAGEMENT

Our borders have a variety of problems and issues and need a comprehensive focus for durable settlement. At many places, the social contours of our border are mercilessly cut across and divided into various ethnic groups .In time of conflict in neighbouring countries this becomes a source of acute tension. Indo-Pak relations are characterised by existence of number of bilateral disputes some of them rooted in historical past such as Kashmir issue, others in current dynamics of bilateral issues viz Baglihar Dam dispute. Pakistan continues to occupy illegally a large area of Kashmir and lays claim over whole state of Jammu and Kashmir .Both countries have sections at both ends of the border, which are yet to be settled.

At border guarding level, reduction of tension amongst to neighbouring countries is of utmost importance. It helps, as administrative machinery can continue border regulation even in disputed areas. Border misunderstandings and clashes which has potential to trigger major confrontation can be reduced and borders can be better managed. A decisive posture, coupled with preparedness and constant vigil will help generate respect for us and reduce tensions.

India lies between the world's two major opium producing regions - the Golden Crescent and the Golden Triangle. This has made it extremely vulnerable to trafficking in drugs. The smuggling of heroin across Indo-Pak borders in J and K, Rajasthan, Punjab and Gujarat is rampant. We have known Sikh terrorists alliances with the drug trafficers. The insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir is being funded by Pakistan with drugs money. India's drug law enforcement strategy is focused on combating trafficking through appropriate intelligence, interdiction and investigation. Sezuires of various drugs/chemicals effected by Narcotics Control Bureau during the year 2003 and 2004(up to September,2004)is as under:-

Pakistan has used covert action in the guise of terrorism as an instruments of state policy against India. It has recruited, trained, financed, armed and infiltrated terrorists in India and has provided sanctuary to anti-Indian elements. Despite global outcry against terrorism and not withstanding a string of confidence building measures adopted by two governments, Pakistan has not yet dismantled the terror infrastructure in the territory under its control. This infrastructure is continued to be used by Pak-ISI to recruit, train and finance terrorists and infiltrate them into India. Strategies of ISI are to intensify proxy war operations, espionage, destabilising the economy of the country by circulation of fake currency notes and raising the pitch of high voltage disinformation campaign to discredit India's security forces for alleged violation of human rights.

The Government has adopted a well coordinated and multi-pronged strategy to tackle ISI activities. Border has been strengthened to check illegal cross-border activities by fencing IB and creating obstacles along LOC along terrorist's routes. So far 159 kms of fencing work has been completed in Jammu Sector. The Central and State Government intelligence agencies are closely interacting, coordinating to neutralise plans of the militants. Security forces and local police have been provided with sophisticated weapons and communication system, and the like.

India's internal security scenario has grown complex over the years. It has been subjected to cross-border terrorism abetted by external power and as many as nine states with 76 districts are affected by naxalite violence in varying degrees. Maintenance of law and order is the responsibility of the state. State police force has been found inadequately trained to deal with situation as such border guarding forces are frequently withdrawn to combat insurgency. They have also been withdrawn many a time to deal with law and order problems. Withdrawal of forces limits their capabilities to guard the borders efficiently.

IMPROVING BORDER SECURITY AND MANAGEMENT

Post Kargil War of 1999, Government of India has obtained a comprehensive report on border management through deliberation of a task force. It has emphasised the need for development and growth of border guarding forces. It has also suggested reviewing the policy of border security and border management to involve governments of the border states in the overall effort to strengthen border security arrangements.
Following are some suggestions of the Task Force :-

	Demarcation of land boundaries and settlement of maritime borders.
	One border one force.
	Expedite erection of border fences on Indo -Pak and Indo -Bangladesh borders.
	Better technology for surveillance of borders.
	Involve border population and increase Boarder Area Development Plan (BADP) funds for development of border areas.
	Institutionalise framework for coordination between border guarding forces and intelligence and other agencies working on the border.
	Introduction of identity card scheme in the entire country. And beginning should be made with multipurpose identity cards scheme at least in border districts in 20 kms belt.

In compliance with GoM recommendation, the following action were taken :-

To enforce accountability, the principal of 'one border one force' is being adopted while considering the deployment of the Border Guarding Forces. BSF is deployed on Indo-Pak and Indo-Bangladesh borders. Indian Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is deployed from North-Western extremity of Indo-China Border and Nepal covering 2115 Kms of mountainous terrain. SSB is deployed in 1751Kms stretch of Indo-Nepal border and about 100 kms along Indo-Bhutan borders .Assam Rifles has been given the responsibility to guard Indo-Myanmar border.

Joint survey of G boundary pillars in Gujarat has been undertaken by both the countries. From western extreme of G pillars the boundary runs south along Sir Creek.

Border fence on Indo-Pak borders except Gujarat has been completed along International Border (IB). Out of 1995 Kms of border to be fenced 1722 Kms has been fenced and work is continuing remaining area. For effective patrolling, roads/tracks are being constructed. To improve the surveillance, 465 Border Out Posts (BOPs) have been sanctioned for eastern and western borders. Some of the BOPS are in process of establishment. For enhancing vigil of coastal and creek areas in Gujarat and Sunderbans nine Floating Bops and 32 speedboats have been inducted in Water Wing of BSF. Six helicopters have also been procured for better surveillance.

BSF has been made Lead Intelligence Agency(LIA) on borders being manned by them and are holding meetings regularly at functional and directional levels with all intelligence agencies and other agencies working on the borders.

For development of borders a sum of Rs252.64 cr were allotted for the year 2003-04. For year 2004-05,Rs 275.13 cr has been allotted by the Central Government under BADP scheme. These funds are placed at the disposal of District Collector for community development of the border area blocks.

CONCLUSION

The national borders cannot be protected by guns alone; 'hot'&'live' borders drain the economy and fuel threat perception. India must conceptualise national borders of friendships and friendly linkages. We are handicapped because of inadequate knowledge and understanding of our neighbour's threat perception, their strategic behaviour and about the people living on the borders on either side. For future proper management and operational planning regarding the borders, information and documentation should be systematically developed.

In my paper, attempt will be made to evolve strategical planning to deal with border problems keeping interest of the people residing on borders. It is also, worthwhile to study the counterpart's modus operndi of guarding the borders so as to deal with them efficiently. Finally, the modernisation of forces will entail change in physical guarding system; such dynamics are required to be deliberated at length.