India Building Smart Border Fencing Along Myanmar Border

PWOnlyIAS February 06, 2024 06:41 2621 0

The government is set to issue orders for Smart Border Fencing for an additional 300 kilometers out of the 1,643 km of India Myanmar Border.

India Building Smart Border Fencing Along Myanmar Border

Context:

The government is set to issue orders for Smart Border Fencing for an additional 300 kilometers out of the 1,643 km of India Myanmar Border, running along Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.

Relevancy for Prelims: Myanmar Crisis, India Myanmar Border, Smart Fence Project, Free Movement Regime (FMR), and United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

Relevancy for Mains: India Myanmar Border: Challenges, Issues and Way Forward to the Indo-Myanmar Border Management.

Importance: GS Paper – 2, India and its Neighbourhood, Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India’s Interests, GS Paper – 3, Infrastructure, Security Challenges & their Management in Border Areas

Why is India Building Smart Border Fencing Along India Myanmar Border?

After the ethnic conflicts in Manipur in May 2023 in which more than 100 people died and thousands of people displaced, the central government decided to end the free movement regime (FMR) along the Indo-Myanmar border soon and started tendering a Smart Border Fencing system. Earlier, the Central government has started a project for fencing the border. The development follows the completion of a 10-kilometer pilot project last year and Smart Border Fencing order for an additional 80 kilometres, bringing the total length of Smart Border Fencing to 390 km. Some specific reasons for Smart Border Fencing the India Myanmar Border:

Ethnic Conflicts- The decision has been made in the background of ongoing ethnic conflicts and the illegal migration of Chin-Kuki nationals from Myanmar. Manipur is affected by the activities of Meitei, Naga, Kuki, Zomi, Hmar insurgent groups. The presence of an unfenced border and unregulated migration from Myanmar have been attributed as some of the factors responsible for the ethnic violence in Manipur.
Illicit Activities: Large-scale smuggling of products, narcotics, weapons, and ammunition has occurred along the porous border between India and Myanmar.
End of FMR: Following the installation of the Smart Border Fencing, the free movement regime (FMR) along the border between India and Myanmar will be stopped. The FMR is increasingly being looked at as a threat to national security on the grounds that it facilitates undeterred border crossing by both insurgents and illegal migrants.

India Myanmar Border: An Overview

India and Myanmar share a land border of around 1643 km and shares maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal. Myanmar shares a border with Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km) and Mizoram (510 km).
Out of the total border length of India and Myanmar a demarcation of 1,472 km has been completed as per the Home Ministry’s 2022-23 annual report.
Myanmar acts as a gateway to SouthEast Asia for India because Myanmar is the only ASEAN country that adjoins India.
India is building the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport, a road-river-port cargo transport project, to link Kolkata to Sittwe in Myanmar and then from Myanmar’s Kaladan river to India’s north-east.
India, Myanmar, and Thailand are building the Asian Trilateral Highway, which will connect India to ASEAN. The road is expected to boost trade and commerce in the ASEAN–India Free Trade Area, as well as with the rest of Southeast Asia.

Smart Border Fencing

About Smart Fence Project

Smart Fence Project, is a technological advancement border security system which aimed at improving surveillance in sensitive border regions. It combines physical barriers, sensors, cameras, and communication systems for comprehensive monitoring.
Smart Fence Project is known for its capability to effectively monitor and respond to border threats. Smart fences involve deploying laser-activated fences and technology-enabled barriers to address vulnerable gaps along borders.
Smart Border Fencing uses a number of devices for surveillance, communication and data storage.
Sensors like thermal imager, underground sensors, fiber optical sensors, radar and sonar will be mounted on different platforms like aerostat, tower and poles as part of the smart fence.
It provides for round-the-clock surveillance on the border and different weather conditions.
The initiative is part of the comprehensive integrated border management system (CIBMS).

Other Smart Border Fencing Project By India

On India-Pakistan Border- In 2018 India launched a project of Smart fence which is India’s first ‘smart fence’ pilot project launched after the illegal cross border migration.
On India-Bangladesh Border- In 2019 BOLD-QIT (Border Electronically Dominated QRT Interception Technique) project was launched under the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) on the Indo- Bangladesh border in 2019.
- Two pilot projects covering about 71 Kms on Indo-Pakistan Border (10 Kms) and Indo-Bangladesh Border (61 Kms) of CIBMS have been completed.
- CIBMS involves deployment of a range of state-of-the-art surveillance technologies — thermal imagers, infra-red and laser-based intruder alarms, aerostats for aerial surveillance, unattended ground sensors that can help detect intrusion bids, radars, sonar systems to secure riverine borders, fiber-optic sensors and a command and control system that shall receive data from all surveillance devices in real time.

What is Border Management?

The primary goals of border management include securing the nation’s borders against hostile interests and implementing systems capable of intercepting such elements, all while facilitating legitimate trade and commerce.

India Myanmar Border: Issues & Challenges

Smart Border Fencing

Illegal Immigrants Along Porous Border- FMR has facilitated inward passage for illegal migrants who have sought refuge across the border. There is an increase in the entry of illegal migrants after the recent military coup in Myanmar.
- According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), an estimated 22,000 refugees have entered India from Myanmar since February 2021.
- Apart from creating a demographic imbalance, the migrants are viewed as a key cause of disturbances in the law and order situation.
Drug Abuse from Golden triangle: Myanmar is the part of Golden Triangle region employing heavily-militarised and largely-lawless territory the producers and traffickers operate located at the meeting point of the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.
- Golden Triangle is the second-largest opium production region in the world. It covers the areas of Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos, which meet at the confluence of the Mekong River and Ruak River.
- The porous nature of the border has facilitated the flow of drugs from Myanmar to India.
- Myanmar is the second-largest producer of opium with the Kachin state of Myanmar being the largest producers of drugs in Myanmar with which India shares the border.
Interlinkage Between Drug Traffickers and Insurgent Groups: Drugs from India’s Northeastern states acts as a financial source for the insurgent groups of the Northeast.
- Most of the insurgent groups receive financial assistance from drug cartels that mainly operate outside of the Indian territory.
- Data from the Manipur Chief Minister’s Office show that 500 cases were registered and 625 individuals were arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in Manipur in 2022.
Smuggling of narcotics and illegal arms- The trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) has linkages with the functioning of the illicit drug economy.
- Drugs are used as currencies for the purchase of Small Arms and Light weapons by insurgents or terror groups.
- According to the report, Rakhine militants as well as Indian insurgents with training camps in Myanmar’s Sagaing region are the main buyers of illegal arms.
Human Trafficking: The instability, turmoil, and internal power struggles within Myanmar gave rise to criminal syndicates exploiting vulnerable individuals for illicit gains.
- More than 400 Indian men are stuck in fraudulent IT jobs in Myanmar due to the promise of fake IT occupations.
- Children across the border are used as couriers for transporting heroin and methamphetamine substances, along with monitoring the Mizoram-Myanmar border.
Ethnic Conflicts: The ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meiteis and Kukis in Manipur is due to illegal migration of tribal Kuki-Chin peoples from Myanmar into India.
- The Meiteis accuse the illegal migrants and the alleged “narco-terror network” along the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB) of instigating trouble in the state.
- In contrast, the Kukis blame the Meiteis alleging the use of this situation as a pretext for “ethnic cleansing.”
Exploitation of Cross Border Ethnic linkages: Through the 1967 boundary agreement, India-Myanmar boundary is superimposed on the socio-cultural landscape of the borderland, dividing several tribes and forcing them to reside as citizens of different countries.
- These tribes, having strong cross-border ethnic linkages are often exploited by the insurgents to find shelter across the border.

About Free Movement Regime (FMR)

FMR was initiated in 1970, the FMR experienced a resurgence in 2016, finding a place within the broader Act East Policy of New Delhi.
FMR permits individuals residing within a 16 km radius of the border to traverse freely, unfettered by the usual requirements of a visa or other documentation.
Under the Free Movement Regime (FMR), individuals belonging to hill tribes, whether they are Indian or Myanmar citizens residing within 16 km on either side of the India Myanmar Border, can cross the border by presenting a border pass.
The border pass is issued by the competent authority and is valid for one year.

Government Interventions For Border Management Among Indian Neighbors

Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme: A Central Sector Scheme comprising projects aimed at infrastructure development of India’s international borders.
Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System: It aims to improve situational awareness to facilitate prompt and quick response to emerging situations along the India-Pakistan Border (IPB) and India-Bangladesh Border (IBB).
Border Area Development Programme (BADP): It aims to meet the special developmental needs and well-being of the people living in remote and inaccessible areas situated near the International Boundary (IB).
- It provides the border areas with essential infrastructure by convergence of BADP/other Central/States/UT/Local Schemes.
Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP): It focuses on comprehensive development of the select villages in 46 blocks in 19 districts of northern border in the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and UT of Ladakh.

Way Forward for India Myanmar Border Management

Round the Clock Border Guarding: There is a need to deploy a regular Border Guarding force for continuous vigilance of India – Myanmar border.
- Border guarding entails round the clock and continuous physical domination of the border to plug gaps, prevent infiltration, drugs and arms smuggling, illegal migration, etc. to strengthen the security of the border.
Creating Border Infrastructure: Creation of adequate infrastructure along the border is needed. It includes the creation of composite Border Observation Posts (BOPs), Border Road, and Obstacle System.
Separation of Patrolling and security functions: The Assam Rifles (AR) is in charge of border patrol as well as ensuring border security.
- Thus, a sizable portion of its battalions are engaged in counterinsurgency activities, which makes border security more difficult. Thus, the two functions need to be completely separated.
- Moreover, the battalions guarding the border need to be stationed right at the border itself, unlike at present where they operate from well inside Indian territory.
- A force other than AR may be deployed exclusively for border guarding. AR with deep historical connections, knowledge of the terrain, culture and ethos of North East and vast experience of operating against insurgents and separatists in that area will be more effective in this role.
Strengthening of Legal frameworks: Improved coordination between India and Myanmar’s law enforcement agencies is essential to combat trafficking effectively.
- Joint operations and intelligence sharing can help intercept traffickers and rescue victims.
- Although the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and Myanmar in 2019 to enhance bilateral cooperation on the prevention, rescue, recovery, and repatriation of persons who have been trafficked, the terms have not been upheld.
- Although both countries have passed legislation making human trafficking illegal and protecting victims, as well as ratifying international agreements against the practice, the present political unrest impedes appropriate and timely action to guarantee the security and safety of trafficked individuals.
Rehabilitation: Alongside rescue efforts, rehabilitation and support to the victims with proper psychological evaluation and treatment are needed to help them reintegrate into society and rebuild their lives.
- Addressing the complex issue requires concerted efforts from both India and Myanmar, along with international cooperation, to ensure the safety and well-being of the victims.
Increased Collaboration: Enhancing collaboration between border control agencies and establishing direct communication channels can serve as a potent strategy to combat trafficking in persons and foster cross-border and regional cooperation.
Awareness Creation: Border guarding forces need to promote a sense of security amongst the border population by carrying out tactical operations as well as identifying and projecting problems of the border population to concerned authorities.
Strengthening of Bilateral Institutional Mechanisms: India has constituted institutional mechanisms with Myanmar which need to be revised with changing dynamics and increasing challenges at the India Myanmar Border.

Also Read: Centre Signs Peace Pact With ULFA Faction

Conclusion

The implementation of Smart Border Fencing technology along the India Myanmar Border reflects a strategic response to address security challenges, ethnic conflicts, and illicit activities.

Related Previously Asked Questions

Prelims Previous Year Questions

Q) Department of Border Management is a Department of which one of the following Union Ministries? (2008)

(a) Ministry of Defence

(b) Ministry of Home Affairs

(c) Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways

(d) Ministry of Environment and Forests

Ans- b

Mains Previous Year Question

Q) Analyze the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats. (2021)

Q) Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. (2020)

Q) Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management. (2016)

Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC	UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs	UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz	Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers	UPSC Test Series 2024

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Frequently Asked Questions

No, earlier the USA has ordered to build a smart wall as a part of Smart Border Fencing on the US-Mexico border.

Smart Border Fencing is deployed where there is threat of insurgency, inflow of illegal immigrants and other activities which jeopardize the internal security of any side of the nation.

No, after deployment of Smart Border Fencing there will be legitimate movement of people and goods across the India Myanmar Border.

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India Building Smart Border Fencing Along Myanmar Border

Context:

Why is India Building Smart Border Fencing Along India Myanmar Border?

India Myanmar Border: An Overview

About Smart Fence Project

Other Smart Border Fencing Project By India

What is Border Management?

India Myanmar Border: Issues & Challenges

About Free Movement Regime (FMR)

Government Interventions For Border Management Among Indian Neighbors

Way Forward for India Myanmar Border Management

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Smart Border Fencing Project by India be the first ever project in the world?

What is the use of Smart Border Fencing along the international borders?

After deployment of Smart Border Fencing will there be no migration of people or goods?

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