Border Management

Vibrant Villages Programme Phase 2

Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the second phase of Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II), which envisages comprehensive development of select villages located along international borders.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Government Schemes- Vibrant Villages Programme. 

About Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)

  • Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 2023. 
  • Objectives:
    • Comprehensive development of the select villages in 46 blocks in 19 districts in the northern border in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and UT Ladakh.
    • Improving the quality of life of people living in identified border villages and reverse the outmigration adding to improved security of the border.

Key Focus Areas:

  • Livelihood Generation:
    • Skill development and entrepreneurship support. 
    • Promotion of agriculture, horticulture, medicinal plants and herbs.
    • Establishment of cooperative societies to manage agriculture and allied activities
  • Tourism and Cultural Promotion:
    • Development of tourism infrastructure, support for community-managed homestays. 
    • Organisation of local fairs and festivals. Encouragement of local cuisines and traditional crafts.  
    • Promotion of eco-tourism, agro-tourism, wellness, wildlife, spiritual and adventure tourism. 
  • Infrastructure and Connectivity:
    • Development of road connectivity, housing, village infrastructure.
    • Access to renewable energy sources, television and telecom services.
  • Outcome-Oriented Approach: VVP has been conceived as an outcome oriented programme with outcome indicators at three levels- village, household & individual beneficiary.

Vibrant Villages Programme Phase 2 (VVP-II)

  • Type: Central Sector Scheme (100% Centre funding).
  • Aim: Comprehensive development of the villages located in the blocks abutting international land borders (ILBs), other than the northern border already covered under VVP-1.
  • Implementation:
    • Total outlay: Rs. 6839 crores till the FY 2028-29.
    • Programme shall be implemented in select strategic villages in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, J&K (UT), Ladakh (UT), Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
  • Objectives:
    • Create better living conditions and adequate livelihood opportunities to ensure prosperous and safe borders.
    • Control trans-border crime.
    • Assimilate border population with the nation and inculcate them as ‘eyes and ears of the border guarding forces’.
Vibrant Villages Programme Phase 2 (VVP-II)

Key Focus Areas

  • VVP-II will provide funds for:
    • Infrastructure development within the village or a cluster of villages.
    • Value chain development (through cooperatives, SHGs, etc.)
    • Border specific outreach activity.
    • Education infrastructure like SMART classes.
    • Development of tourism circuits. 
    • Works/projects to create diverse & sustainable livelihood opportunities in the border areas.
  • The interventions would be border-specific, state and village specific, based on Village Action Plans prepared in a collaborative approach.
  • All-weather road connectivity for these villages shall be undertaken under the already approved PMGSY-IV under the MoRD. 

VVP-II along with VVP-I is a transformative initiative to make the border villages self-reliant and vibrant. It promotes inclusive development in difficult terrains and aligns with the vision of "Last Mile Delivery" and "Viksit Bharat by 2047". 

Illegal immigration and National Security

Context: The Jharkhand High Court has directed the state government to identify illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in the Santhal Parganas region after a PIL raised concerns about demographic changes due to ‘Bangladeshi infiltration.’ The petition noted a significant demographic shift in six districts, with the tribal population decreasing from 44.67% in 1951 to 28.11% in 2011, while the minority community's percentage rose from 9.44% to 22.73%.

Illegal immigrants from Bangladesh: 

  • Illegal migration and cross-border activities pose significant challenges along the India-Bangladesh border, which is highly porous.
  • The border spans 4,096.7 km, with 3,145 km already secured by physical fencing, while the remaining sections are planned to be covered by a combination of physical and technological barriers.
  • The Home Ministry's 2021-22 annual report highlights that the porous nature of the Indo-Bangladesh border has made it difficult to control illegal migration and other cross-border activities.
  • Assam and West Bengal, which share a porous border with Bangladesh, are particularly affected by illegal infiltration.

Who are ‘Illegal Immigrants’?

  • An illegal immigrant in India is defined as a foreigner who has either entered the country without valid documents or overstayed beyond the permitted time under the Citizenship Act, as amended in 2003.
  • Such individuals are ineligible for citizenship by registration or naturalization and may face imprisonment for 2-8 years and fines.
  • However, an exception was made in 2019 for minority communities from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who fled to India due to religious persecution or fear of it. These individuals are not considered illegal migrants and remain eligible for citizenship.
  • The 2001 Indian Census provides data on migrants, with Bangladeshis being the largest group, followed by Pakistanis, though it does not specifically categorize illegal immigrants. 

Reasons for influx of Illegal Immigrants from neighbouring regions: 

1. Economic opportunities: Neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar face poverty and unemployment, pushing people to seek better livelihoods in India. India's larger economy offers better job opportunities, especially in informal sectors. 

2. Political instability:

  • The 2021 military coup and ethnic conflicts in Myanmar forced thousands of Rohingya and other minorities to flee to India. The UN estimated nearly 18,000 Rohingya refugees in India by 2021. The Civil War (1983-2009) led to over 100,000 Tamil refugees entering India, many illegally. The Taliban's takeover in 2021 prompted many Afghans to seek asylum in India.

3. Religious and ethnic persecution: 

  • Religious minorities, especially Hindus, have faced persecution, leading to migration to India. The Citizenship Amendment Act (2019) responded to this, with over 25,000 Pakistanis seeking Indian citizenship between 2016-2019.

4. Environmental factors: 

  • Climate change and environmental degradation, especially in coastal areas, drive migration. The Sundarbans region has seen significant displacement due to rising sea levels, leading to an influx into West Bengal.

5. Lack of stringent border controls: 

  • India's borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar are porous. These border regions traverse a range of natural landscapes which are hard to monitor, making illegal crossings easier. India has an easily navigable sea route with Pakistan as well as Sri Lanka making it vulnerable to a continuous threat of an influx of illegal migration. 

Preventing the entry of illegal migrants into India is important as they impose pressure on citizens and pose a security threat, especially in sensitive areas such as Jammu and West Bengal

Threats to India’s National Security: 

The large influx of illegal immigrants in different parts of India has raised both direct and indirect threats. 

Direct threats

  • Radicalization and infiltration:
  • The large influx of illegal immigrants, especially from regions with ongoing conflicts or extremist activities, increases the risk of radicalization. Terrorist organizations can exploit refugee movements to infiltrate operatives into the country.
  • Indian security agencies have reported that some Rohingyas, who may sympathize with militant ideologies, could be active in areas like Jammu, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mewat, posing a potential threat to internal security.
  • Intelligence reports have indicated that Pakistan-based terror groups have attempted to infiltrate operatives into India under the guise of migrants from Bangladesh.
  • This not only poses a direct threat to internal security but also strains India’s relations with neighbouring countries.
  • Political and cultural threats:
    • The demographic change due to the influx of illegal immigrants threatens the political and cultural pre-eminence of local populations.
    • In states like Assam, the continuous influx of immigrants from Bangladesh has altered the demographic balance, leading to tensions between the indigenous population and the newcomers.
    • The Assam Accord of 1985, which sought to address these concerns, highlights the long-standing issue of illegal immigration and its impact on the socio-political fabric of the region.
    • The unchecked influx of undocumented immigrants poses a serious threat, potentially sparking power struggles between foreign anti-national groups and the indigenous populace.
    • Infiltration of Myanmar Kuki-Chins has previously ignited the Naga vs. Kuki conflict (1992 – 1999), Kuki vs. Paite (1997–1998) in Manipur, and the Kuki vs. Karbi clash (2003 – 2004) in Assam.
  • Militancy: 
    • Ongoing attacks against Muslims perceived as illegal migrants in Assam have contributed to radicalization within some segments of the Muslim community.
    • This has led to the emergence of militant groups, such as the Muslim United Liberation Tigers of Assam (MULTA), posing a significant threat to national security.
  • Law and order disruption:
    • Illegal migrants undermine the rule of law and national integrity by engaging in activities such as obtaining identity documents illegally, involving in trans-border smuggling of arms. 

Indirect threats: 

Resource strain: 

  • The arrival of large numbers of illegal immigrants can strain local resources, including land, water, and public services.
  • This often leads to resentment among the local population, who feel that their opportunities are being usurped.
  • For instance, in urban areas like Delhi and Mumbai, the presence of illegal immigrants has contributed to overcrowding and increased competition for jobs, leading to a decline in wages and working conditions.
  • According to a 2022 report by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), regions with high concentrations of illegal immigrants have witnessed a significant drop in wages for unskilled labor.

Social instability and crime:

  • The lack of opportunities and the prevailing sense of insecurity among the local population can cause social instability.
  • Illegal immigrants, often living in poverty and deprivation, may become vulnerable to crime, both as victims and perpetrators.
  • Terror outfits can easily exploit these vulnerabilities, recruiting individuals by promising better prospects and livelihoods.
  • The Bodoland violence in 2012, which was partly fuelled by concerns over illegal immigration and its impact on local communities.
  • In the northeastern states of India, where illegal immigration is a significant issue, there has been a noticeable rise in crime rates, including human trafficking and smuggling, as reported by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in 2023.

Grievances over resource distribution:

  • The situation in Assam's border districts, where illegal settlements have encroached on forest and agricultural land, has led to frequent clashes between the indigenous communities and the immigrants.
  • The 2019 National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise in Assam was an attempt to address these grievances but also highlighted the deep divisions and challenges in resolving the issue.

The cumulative impact of these direct and indirect threats can lead to broader regional and national instability.

India's strategy to address these threats: 

Strengthening border security: 

  • India has invested in extensive border fencing and surveillance systems to control illegal crossings. The construction of the India-Bangladesh border fence, which spans over 4,000 kilometers, aims to deter unauthorized movement. As of 2023, approximately 3,200 kilometers of the fence have been completed.
  • The Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) project leverages technology for enhanced border monitoring.
  • Efforts to improve border security also include the construction of border roads to enhance communication and mobility in these areas.
  • In addition, floodlights have been installed along significant portions of the border in West Bengal, Meghalaya, Assam, Mizoram, and Tripura. 
  • The BSF plays a crucial role in patrolling and securing India's borders. For example, in 2022, the BSF apprehended over 2,000 individuals attempting to cross the India-Bangladesh border illegally.

Legal and policy frameworks: 

  • National Register of Citizens (NRC): The NRC is a government initiative to identify and document citizens and illegal immigrants. The most notable application was in Assam, where the NRC was updated to exclude illegal immigrants. The 2019 NRC list excluded over 1.9 million individuals, although this process faced criticism and legal challenges.
  • Foreigners Act of 1946: This act regulates the entry and stay of foreigners in India. It empowers the government to detain and deport illegal immigrants. Recent amendments and stricter enforcement have aimed to enhance its effectiveness.

Diplomatic cooperation: 

  • India has worked with Bangladesh to address illegal immigration through bilateral agreements. The 2015 Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) resolved border disputes and facilitated the exchange of enclaves, which has helped reduce illegal movement.

Challenges in managing national security threats from illegal immigration: 

1. Operational:

  • The extensive and challenging-to-monitor borders with Bangladesh (4,096 km) and Myanmar (1,643 km) have gaps despite efforts like border fencing.
  • The Border Security Force (BSF) struggles with limited resources and the need for advanced surveillance technology.
  • Inefficient coordination between central and state agencies hampers effective border management, leading to gaps in enforcement.

2.Legal:

  • The Foreigners Act and Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) create a complicated legal environment.
  • The CAA has faced protests and legal issues, complicating its implementation.
  • Balancing national security measures with human rights, as seen with the CAA, leads to criticism and protests.

Recommended strategies for dealing with the issue: 

A comprehensive national policy for effective border management is urgently needed. This policy should be formulated by national security experts and tailored to address the unique challenges faced by each border region of the country.

1. Enhancing border security:

  • India can invest more in high-tech solutions like drones, infrared sensors, and AI-based monitoring systems. Expanding and better equipping the BSF and other border agencies can help close existing security gaps. 

2. Reforming legal framework:

  • India needs a more transparent and consistent legal framework to define and categorize illegal immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Ensuring that security measures do not infringe upon human rights is crucial. 

3. Coordination between Central and State agencies:

  • Establishing a unified command structure for border management could enhance coordination.
  • The European Union’s Frontex agency exemplifies how centralizing border management can improve coordination across multiple states.
  • Regular joint training programs for central and state agencies can foster better coordination. 

4. Counter-terrorism measures:

  • Strengthening intelligence sharing between central and state agencies, and with international partners, can help detect and prevent radicalization.
  • Developing programs to engage with migrant communities and address grievances can reduce the risk of radicalization. 

5. Strengthening diplomatic cooperation:

  • Strengthening and expanding bilateral agreements with neighbouring countries for better border management and repatriation processes is essential.
  • For example, India could model agreements on the U.S.-Mexico bilateral cooperation on border security, which includes joint initiatives and intelligence sharing.
  • Regional forums like the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) could improve collective responses to illegal immigration and security challenges, as Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crimes are in its list of priority sectors of cooperation. 

Why India needs 3rd aircraft carrier

Context: Recent media reports suggest that the Indian Navy's long-standing demand for a third aircraft carrier is finally moving closer to realization, with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) poised to commence construction of an additional Vikrant-class platform, weighing around 40,000 tonnes.

About aircraft carrier: 

  • It is a warship that serves as a seagoing airbase, equipped with a full-length flight deck and facilities for carrying, arming, deploying, and recovering aircraft.
  • It is fundamental to command, control and coordination of operations from the sea and to project combat power ashore, over the seas or in the air, 

History of Aircraft Carriers in India:

Right from its Independence, India was aware of the need for aircraft carriers to establish itself as a blue water navy. Since the sixties, the Indian Navy has had the unique distinction of operating all variants of aircraft launch and recovery systems.

  • INS Vikrant (R11)- India’s First Aircraft Carrier: It served in the Indian Navy from 1961 to 1997. Originally, it was being built by the British as HMS Hercules. The 19,500-tonne Carrier, played a crucial role in the 1971 war.
  • INS Viraat: It was originally commissioned by the British Royal Navy as HMS Hermes. It played a pivotal role in Operation Jupiter (in 1989 as part of Peacekeeping Operations in Sri Lanka, following the breakdown of the Indo- Sri Lankan Accord of 1986) and Operation Parakram (carried out in the wake of the 2013 terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament). It was decommissioned from service in 2017.
  • INS Vikramaditya: Russia’s refurbished Admiral Gorshkov was commissioned into the Indian Navy as INS Vikramaditya at Severodvinsk, Russia in November 2013. It is a state-of-the-art ship, capable of operating a versatile range of high-performance aircrafts, such as the MiG 29K fighters, KM 31 AEW helicopters, multi-role Seakings and utility Chetaks.
  • India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-1): INS Vikrant was inducted into the Indian Navy by 2020.
    • Vikrant can operate an air wing of 30 aircraft comprising MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, in addition to indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters and Light Combat Aircraft (Navy). 
    • It uses the STOBAR (Short Take-Off but Arrested Recovery) method to launch and recover aircraft for which it is equipped with a ski- jump to launch aircraft, and three ‘arrester wires’ for their recovery.
  • A second Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-II), a repeat of a Vikrant-like carrier. The IAC-II displacing 45,000 tonnes will see some modifications and newer technologies incorporated in the original design of the Vikrant. The proposed IAC-II has often been referred to as India’s third aircraft carrier.

Why India needs 3rd aircraft carrier: 

  • Enhances Indian Navy’s capability to protect India’s 7,500-kilometre coastline, enables operations far from India’s shores, reinforcing status as a ‘blue water’ navy.
  • Critical for protecting India's seaborne trade, which constitutes over 90% of the country's trade volume. Essential for asserting Indian presence in key strategic areas like the Straits of Malacca, Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb, and the South China Sea, would help India project power and counterbalance China’s growing influence.
  • Showcasing India’s capability to design and build aircraft carriers.
  • Can boost domestic heavy and medium industries, create a network of MSME sector , enhance youth skills, and generate job opportunities.

40 years of Operation Meghdoot

Context: April 13, 2024, marks the fortieth anniversary of Operation Meghdoot, during which the Indian Army pre-emptively occupied the Siachen Glacier on the Saltoro Ridge, overlooking the Nubra Valley in the Karakoram Range. Although a ceasefire is currently in effect, the operation is still ongoing.

About Operation Meghdoot: 

An IAF aircraft flies past as Operation Meghdoot marks 40 years of the Indian Army’s presence in Siachen glacier since April 13, 1984, in Ladakh.
image 56
  • It was the codename for the Indian Army operation to take full control of the Siachen Glacier in Ladakh. 
  • Siachen, in Balti language means “land of roses’, ‘Sia’ is a kind of rose species that grows in the region and ‘Chen’ means “in abundance”.
  • It is known for being the world’s highest and coldest battlefield. It sits at a very strategic location with Pakistan on the left and China on the right. 
  • It is a legacy of the Partition between India and Pakistan. While the Line of Control (LoC) was delineated and accepted by both sides upto NJ-9842 as part of the 1972 Shimla agreement, the glacier itself was left unmarked. 
  • India claims the area based on the Jammu and Kashmir Accession Agreement of 1947 and the Karachi Agreement of 1949, which define the ceasefire line beyond NJ-9842 as running “Northwards to the glaciers”. On the other hand, Pakistan interprets it as ‘North-Eastwards’ to claim the area beyond the Saltoro Ridge and beyond Siachen as its own. This would give Pakistan direct connectivity to China as well as strategic oversight over the Ladakh region and the crucial Leh-Srinagar highway, posing a serious threat to India.
  • Launched on 13 April 1984, this unique military operation was the first assault launched in the world's highest battlefield.
  • This operation pre-empted Pakistan's Operation Ababeel; and was a success. Resulting in Indian forces gaining control of the Siachen Glacier in its entirety.
  • The operation resulted in India gaining the 70 kilometers long Siachen Glacier and all of its tributary glaciers, as well as the three main passes on the Saltoro Ridge immediately west of the glacier; Sia La, Bilafond La, and Gyong La. Thus, giving India the tactical advantage of holding higher grounds. 
  • The Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) runs roughly along the Saltoro Ridge which extends nearly 120 kilometers from Point NJ9842 to the Shaksgam Tract (a part of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir; which Pakistan had illegally ceded to China in 1963).
  • It is still on and will continue till a political solution of the Jammu and Kashmir problem is achieved with both Pakistan and China. 
  • However, this Operation was unique in its own ways as no such operation was ever carried out by any military in history and no one had occupied such a terrain continuously for over four decades.

Genesis of Operation Meghdoot 

  • Shaksgam Valley was ceded to China (Although it was very well part of India) by Pakistan in 1963. Siachen Area is located so strategically that while it dominates Shaksgam Valley in the north, controls the routes coming from Gilgit Baltistan to Leh from the west, and at the same time, dominates the ancient Karakoram Pass in the eastern side too.
  • Towards the west, nearly the entirety of Gilgit Baltistan which too is an Indian territory illegally occupied by Pakistan in 1948. 
  • Soon after the ceded of Shaksgam Valley, Pakistan started allowing multiple mountaineering expeditions in this area in 1970s and 1980s with dual purpose, to internationally claim that the area belongs to them and  to have some kind of physical domination over the terrain. 
  • To strengthen this, Pakistan was sending a military officer with each of these expeditions as a liaison officer who was not only mapping the area but was also helping in planning.
  • Accordingly, India too started planning mountaineering expeditions in this area. From 1978 to 1984, India sent multiple military mountaineering expeditions in this area. The first team which went there in 1978 was led by Colonel Narinder (Bull) Kumar followed by another large expedition in 1980. More than a dozen expeditions were launched in various areas.
  • It was revealed that Pakistan has kept the day of 17th April 1984 to launch the operation. The strength and overall planning of Pakistan was also uncovered by Indian Intelligence agencies which acted as a major decisive factor in “Operation Meghdoot”.  
  • The operation was launched under the leadership of Lt.General Manohar Lal Chibber, Lt.General PN Hoon, and Major General Shiv Sharma.

India-Myanmar Border Issues

Context: As conflict intensifies between armed resistance groups and the Myanmar military in the Chin, Shan and Sagaing provinces, India reminded Myanmar to return to the path of federal democracy.

  • Myanmar’s military has been battling armed insurgents who have forced it out of several townships over the past few weeks.
  • The Indian side reiterated its support to Myanmar for a transition towards a federal democracy.
  • The Indian side said it continued to support people-centric socio-economic developmental projects, including connectivity projects and projects under the Rakhine State Development Programme and Border Area Development Programme for the benefit of the people of Myanmar.
  • There has been issues that India has faced after the military coup that took place in Myanmar post the elections of 2020.
  • Due to intense fighting, thousands of Myanmar’s nationals including former military personnel recently sought refuge in India creating issues related to security situation, border management and transnational crimes.

Implications of Myanmar’s Military Coup

  • Border security: Refugees fleeing military crackdown are entering Mizoram. This has led to disagreement between centre & Mizoram which supports refugees. Centre’s instruction of sealing border with Myanmar has irked ethnically and culturally connected communities on both sides. Ex – Chin community. 
  • Strategic concern: India cannot upset the Myanmar junta by providing refuge to the officials fleeing military crackdown.
  • Containing China: Myanmar being crucial in containing China, India will have to take a calculated steps to not push Myanmar closer to China. 
  • Insurgency: Several ethnic armed organisations are active within Myanmar. Being opposed to Junta, EAOs can lead to escalation in violence across the border. 
  • Indian Investments: Instability would threaten India’s investments in Myanmar. Ex. Kaladan Project, Sittwe port, IMT trilateral Highway, Special economic zone in Rakhine. 
  • Opportunity to reduce influence of China: Myanmar army has enjoyed a relatively strong relationship with India. It played a key role in handling the insurgency and Hot Pursuits of India. Su Kyi led democratic government was closer to China. China supported it on Rohingya crisis. 
  • Drug trafficking: Drug production has shot up exponentially in Shan Province of Myanmar. The region was earlier large producers of heroine. However, currently it is world’s largest producer & exporter of meth (more potent & profitable). Most key individuals controlling the drug trade are pro-junta businessman as well as ethnic militia. 

Characteristics of India – Myanmar Border 

Lack of clear demarcation boundary 

  • Formally delimited and demarcated following the boundary agreement on March 10, 1967, the boundary has not crystallised on the ground as lines separating two sovereign countries. 
  • Boundary is also superimposed on the socio-cultural landscape of the borderland, dividing several tribes, and forcing them to reside as citizens of different countries. 
  • These tribes refuse to accept the artificial line and continue to maintain strong cross-border ethnic linkages. 
  • Such linkages are often exploited by the insurgents to find shelter across the border among their own kinsmen who are sympathetic towards their cause’.

Free movement regime 

  • The FMR permits the tribes residing along the border to travel 16-km across the boundary without visa restrictions. 
  • While the FMR has helped the tribes continue maintain their age-old ties, it has also become a cause of concern for the security establishment as its provisions are exploited by the Indian insurgents to cross over to Myanmar unrestricted and establish safe havens.  
  • Another provision in the FMR, which allows tribal people to carry headload has also been misused to smuggle in drugs, weapons, and other contraband.

Terrain of the Border 

  • High mountains, deep river channels together with lush forest characterise the borderland.
  • Absence of roads, communication links and other border guarding infrastructure also adversely affect policing as they hamper the easy and rapid movement of the border guarding forces along the border

Challenges along India – Myanmar Border 

  1. Cross-border insurgency: Insurgent groups from Manipur and Nagaland have set up bases in Myanmar and operating across the border to fuel secessionist movements.  Eg: NSCN(K) has its base in Myanmar.
  2. Arms smuggling: Porous border is used to smuggle arms and ammunition sourced from Thailand to fuel its activities in India.
  3. Drug Trafficking: Proximity to ‘Golden Triangle’ - global hub of drug trafficking makes. It has resulted in drug abuse in the border states, particularly Mizoram which has also seen a rise in HIV incidence. 
  4. Gold smuggling: 25% of all the gold smuggled in India comes form here this region. 

Way forward

  • Strengthen Assam Rifles with adequate manpower and equipment. 
  • At the same time, through sustained community interaction programmes, the border community should be sensitised to participate in the nation building project. 
  • Cooperation with neighbours. 
  • For such cooperation to materialise, political and diplomatic initiatives requires to be carefully crafted. 

Rakhine State Development Programme

  • India signed a development programme for Rakhine State in Myanmar in late 2017 which was designed to assist the Myanmar government in Rakhine State to build housing infrastructure for displaced persons.
  • India launched this program as more than 700,000 minority Rohingya Muslims fled from Myanmar’s Rakhine state to neighbouring Bangladesh since August 2017, triggering a massive refugee crisis.
  • The focus of RSDP has been on sustainable solutions based on creative socio-economic development under which India has delivered more than 250 pre-fabricated houses in three villages of Rakhine villages

About Border Area Development Programme

  • It is launched to meet the needs and well-being of the people living in remote and inaccessible areas situated near the international borders plus to saturate the border areas with critical infrastructure and sustainable livelihood opportunities, by convergence scheme through a participate approach.
  • Funds under this programme are programme are provided to the states for execution of works/projects relating to infrastructure, livelihood, education, health, agriculture and allied sectors skill development

Harami Nala: The rogue or treacherous channel Between India and Pakistan

Context: Union home minister visited Harami Nala (rogue or treacherous channel) in the Sir Creek sector of Kutch region of Gujarat, near the India-Pakistan border.

About Harami Nala

  • It is a natural water body, approximately 25 kilometers long, flowing from west to east from Pakistan into Kutch, just south of Vighakot sector. It is flanked by vast marshy mud flats affected by low and high tides.
  • About 22 kilometers of the channel lie on the Indian side of "vertical line" of the International Boundary (IB) between India and Pakistan, which itself is not contested. A portion of Rajasthan's Barmar district also touches this area.
  • It is extremely rich in fishing, especially prawns.
  • The formidable marshy terrain through which it runs makes it impossible to approach or patrol on foot, even during low tide.
  • There are dangerous tides, muddy areas, and mirages, and it also gets extremely hot in the summer, with temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius.
  • It is one of the most inhospitable places along the border and has also been at the center of cross-border mischief and exploitation by infiltrators.
  • The water body has some unique characteristics. Tidal waters surge from the Pakistani side, and over the years, the channel has extended further on the Indian side.
  • On the Pakistani side, there's a wall called Chini-Bandh, built with assistance from China, to prevent ocean water from flooding their side. On the Indian side, there is a significant distance from the IB where factories have emerged to produce salt, bromide, and other chemicals carried by mineral-rich waters.
  • The channel's proximity to the coast and urban centers like Gujarat and Mumbai has made it an attractive route for potential infiltrators.