Answer:

Introduction:

India’s internal security is intrinsically linked to its border management due to its vast and porous borders with several South Asian countries and Myanmar. These borders present unique challenges due to their diverse topography and demographic composition.

Body:

Linkage of Internal Security Challenges with Border Management

• Illegal Migration:
  • India’s porous borders, notably with Bangladesh and Nepal, are conduits for illegal migration, leading to socio-economic tensions and demographic changes.
  • For instance, the Assam and West Bengal states have faced significant demographic shifts.
  • The detection of 31 million illegal Bangladeshi migrants in Assam during the 2019 National Register of Citizens (NRC) updation.
• Drug Trafficking:
  • Borders with nations like Myanmar and Pakistan are pivotal routes for drug trafficking.
  • The 2020 seizure of 3800kg of cannabis at the Mizoram-Bangladesh border exemplifies this issue, which contributes to internal security problems like substance addiction and organized crime.
• Arms Smuggling:
  • Porous borders, particularly with Nepal and Bangladesh, enable illegal arms smuggling.
  • The interception of arms consignments destined for Maoist insurgents in Bihar and Jharkhand, often smuggled through the India-Nepal border, has underlined this persistent issue, contributing to internal conflicts.
• Cross-Border Terrorism:
  • Borders with Pakistan and Myanmar have been infiltration routes for terrorist organizations, causing persistent internal security challenges.
  • The Uri and Pulwama attacks in Jammu & Kashmir, orchestrated by Pakistan-based terror outfits, are poignant examples.
• Transnational Crimes:
  • Porous borders facilitate transnational crimes like human trafficking and counterfeit currency rackets.
  • The detection of a high-quality counterfeit Indian currency network operating through the India-Bangladesh border in 2020, and numerous cases of human trafficking across the India-Nepal border, underscore the magnitude of this issue impacting internal security and societal stability.

Conclusion:

Managing India’s porous borders is crucial to addressing its internal security challenges. A comprehensive approach, encompassing technological solutions, bilateral cooperation, and community engagement, is needed to fortify these vulnerable frontiers and enhance internal security.