Q19. India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan, fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development being undertaken in these areas under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme. (15M)
Kartavya Desk Staff
Introduction
India’s borders with China and Pakistan face ongoing tensions, with unresolved territorial disputes and security threats. Addressing these challenges requires strategic infrastructure development and effective management of border areas.
Conflicting issues and security challenges along the border
With China
• Border Disputes: Unresolved boundary along the LAC, especially in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
E.g., 2020 Galwan Valley clash caused fatalities on both sides.
• Chinese Infrastructure Build-up: Rapid infrastructure development by China along the LAC.
E.g., Road construction in Doklam triggered a standoff in 2017.
• Frequent Standoffs: Regular military standoffs due to differing perceptions of the LAC.
E.g., Ongoing tensions in Eastern Ladakh post-Galwan clash.
• Military Buildup: China’s deployment of advanced weaponry along the LAC.
E.g., PLA increased missile bases in Tibet.
With Pakistan
• Cross-border Terrorism: Pakistan-backed terrorist infiltrations along the LoC.
E.g., Infiltration attempts in Jammu & Kashmir in 2021.
• Ceasefire Violations: Regular ceasefire violations along the LoC, causing civilian and military casualties.
E.g., Over 100 ceasefire violations in 2021 alone.
• Smuggling of Arms and Drugs: Pakistan uses the porous border to smuggle weapons and narcotics.
E.g., Arms smuggling reported along Punjab border in 2022.
• Proxy War: Pakistan supports insurgency in Kashmir, destabilizing the region.
E.g., Terror attacks in Pulwama (2019) traced to Pakistan-based groups.
Development under the Border Area Development programme (badp)
• Road Construction: Enhanced connectivity to remote border areas.
E.g., New roads built in Ladakh.
• Health and Education: Building healthcare centers and schools in border villages.
E.g., Primary schools established in Jammu & Kashmir.
• Skill Development: Local employment opportunities for border communities.
E.g., Vocational training introduced in Uttarakhand.
• Electrification Projects: Solar power installations in remote areas.
E.g., Villages in Arunachal Pradesh electrified in 2021.
• Community Infrastructure: Building community centers and water supply systems.
E.g., Community centers established in Himachal Pradesh.
Development Under the Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme
• Road and Tunnel Development: Focus on building critical roads and tunnels for defense and civilian use.
E.g., Completion of Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh.
• Border Fencing: Installation of fences and surveillance equipment.
E.g., Smart fencing along the Pakistan border.
• Border Outposts: Establishment of more Border Outposts (BOPs) for security.
E.g., New BOPs constructed in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Helipads and Airstrips: Developing helipads for troop deployment in remote areas.
E.g., Helipads built in Ladakh.
• Smart Border Technology: Use of drones, sensors, and CIBMS for better monitoring.
E.g., Smart fencing on the India-Bangladesh border.
Conclusion
India faces complex challenges along its borders with China and Pakistan, requiring a mix of security measures and infrastructure development. Continued investments under BADP and BIM, coupled with diplomatic engagements, are essential for ensuring long-term peace and security in these sensitive regions.