Answer:
| Approach:
Introduction
- Introduce, acknowledging the India-Myanmar border as a complex area presenting numerous security issues.
Body
- Discuss the various security challenges like insurgent activities, drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms smuggling, illegal immigration, and wildlife trafficking.
- Mention the possible steps to counter these challenges.
Conclusion
- Conclude, reinforcing the need for a holistic strategy.
|
Introduction:
The border between India and Myanmar isn’t just a line on a map. It’s a challenging area full of various security problems, from illegal activities like drug trafficking to issues with insurgents.
Body:
Security Challenges:
- Insurgent Activities: Groups like NSCN(K) frequently exploit the porous border for insurgent activities, as seen in the 2015 Manipur ambush.
- Drug Trafficking: The border is a critical conduit for drug trafficking due to Myanmar’s Golden Triangle region, as seen in the numerous seizures of yaba tablets and heroin.
- Human Trafficking: The region sees a high incidence of human trafficking, with victims often being exploited for forced labour or sex work.
- Arms Smuggling: Illegal arms smuggling is a persistent issue, with rebel groups often sourcing their weapons from across the border.
- Illegal Immigration: The porous border facilitates illegal immigration, adding to demographic complexities in the region.
- Wildlife Trafficking: The border is also misused for illegal trade in wildlife, threatening biodiversity.
- National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN): NSCN factions, primarily NSCN-IM and NSCN-K, aim to create a “Greater Nagaland” across India and Myanmar, leading to frequent insurgencies along the border.
- Kuki Liberation Front (KLF): Active mostly in Manipur, KLF uses the porous border for arms smuggling, drug trafficking, and extortion, exacerbating regional instability.
- United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA): ULFA, primarily based in Assam, leverages the India-Myanmar border for sanctuary, as well as for arms and drug trafficking.
- People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front (MNRF): These Manipur-based groups partake in insurgent activities along the border, adding to the security challenges.
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Steps to Counter Challenges:
- Enhanced Surveillance:
- The use of advanced technologies like drones and satellite imagery for real-time surveillance can help detect suspicious activities early.
- For instance, India’s Bharat drone, developed during the India-China border conflict, provides high-resolution imaging and operates effectively even in extreme weather conditions.
- Improved Infrastructure:
- Developing better infrastructure such as Integrated Check Posts (ICPs), border roads, and fences can improve access and control over the border region.
- An example of this is the Integrated Check Post at Moreh in Manipur, which has significantly improved border management.
- Increased Border Personnel:
- Strengthening border forces through increased deployment can deter illegal activities.
- The Assam Rifles, as the border guarding force along the India-Myanmar border, plays a key role in this regard.
- Bilateral Cooperation:
- Collaborative efforts with Myanmar can lead to better border management.
- The coordinated operations like ‘Operation Sunrise’ between Indian and Myanmar armies against insurgent groups is an example of such successful cooperation.
- Socio-economic Development:
- Implementing focused development projects in border areas can help in reducing the appeal of illegal activities and insurgency.
- Projects under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) aim to meet these objectives.
Conclusion:
Addressing the multitude of security issues along the India-Myanmar border requires comprehensive strategies. By combining advanced surveillance, strong infrastructure, enhanced intelligence, regional cooperation, and public education, along with initiatives aimed at improving the local economy and living conditions, the border region can become safer and more secure.
2019
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