India Bangladesh Border Dispute
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: IE
Context: Recently, Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) had attempted to obstruct the construction of a barbed wire fence on the international border in West Bengal’s Malda.
India-Bangladesh Border Region:
• Length and Coverage: The India-Bangladesh border stretches for 4,096 km, encompassing five Indian states: West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
• Border Typology: The border is a mix of plains, rivers, and forested terrains, with approximately 180 km of riverine boundary.
• Enclaves and Exclaves: The 2015 Land Boundary Agreement resolved most enclave issues, yet minor disputes persist, particularly in areas like Comilla-Tripura.
• Geopolitical Importance: The border facilitates trade, cultural exchanges, and strategic connectivity, particularly under regional cooperation frameworks like SAARC and BIMSTEC.
• Shared Ecosystem: Border regions include shared rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra and unique biodiversity requiring cooperative management.
Issues Surrounding the India-Bangladesh Border:
• Border Fencing Disputes: Bangladesh views India’s fencing as a violation of the 1975 border guidelines, which prohibit defense structures within 150 yards of the boundary.
• Illegal Migration: The porous border has facilitated undocumented migration, leading to socio-political tensions in Indian states.
• Trans-Border Crimes: Smuggling of cattle, drugs, and arms has been a persistent issue, straining bilateral relations.
• Unresolved Land and Riverine Disputes: Some border segments remain unmarked, and riverine boundaries complicate fencing efforts.
• Impact on Communities: Fencing and border disputes disrupt local livelihoods and access to resources on both sides.
Existing Security Measures to Guard India-Bangladesh Borders:
• Fencing: Approximately 3,141 km of the border is fenced, with plans to complete the remaining sections to curb illegal activities.
• Smart Surveillance: Smart fencing with CCTV, sensors, and drones is being deployed in sensitive areas to monitor movements.
• Water Wing Units: BSF’s water wing patrols the riverine border regions, which are unfenced and vulnerable to illegal crossings.
• Coordinated Patrols: Joint operations and flag meetings between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) promote coordination.
• Technological Integration: Advanced radar systems, thermal imaging, and electronic surveillance enhance security in high-risk zones.
Way Ahead:
• Strengthening Bilateral Mechanisms: Regular consultations and confidence-building measures between India and Bangladesh are essential to resolve disputes amicably.
• Completion of Fencing: Addressing land acquisition and terrain-related issues can expedite the completion of border fencing.
• Improved Border Management: Deployment of more technology-driven solutions, including AI and smart fencing, can enhance security.
• Community Engagement: Incorporating local communities into security frameworks can help balance security and livelihoods.
• Resolving River Disputes: Collaborative agreements on water sharing and riverine border demarcation can address long-standing tensions.
Conclusion:
The India-Bangladesh border symbolizes both shared history and modern challenges. Strengthening bilateral cooperation, resolving disputes amicably, and leveraging technology for border management can transform this boundary into a bridge of mutual prosperity and security.
Insta Links:
• India-Bangladesh
• 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. (UPSC-2018)