The Ministry of Home Affairs for the year 2022-23 outlines a plan to construct a 100-kilometer Smart Fencing System (SFS) along the India-Myanmar border. This initiative is geared towards enhancing surveillance and control in these sensitive border zones through technologically advanced mechanisms.
About Smart Fencing System
An SFS is an advanced border security structure that significantly bolsters surveillance and control along vulnerable border regions. The system skillfully integrates physical barriers, sensors, cameras, and communication systems, giving it a ‘smart’ tag owing to its technological prowess in monitoring and counteracting border threats.
Why is Smart Fencing System Needed Along the India-Myanmar Border?
Several factors necessitate the establishment of an SFS along the India-Myanmar border. Firstly, Manipur has been the hotbed of ethnic violence and insurgency, with over 175 lives tragically lost since May 3, 2022. This northern Indian state has registered nearly 137 insurgency-linked episodes out of 201 total recorded across the northeastern states this year. The violence is largely attributed to various insurgent factions such as Meitei, Naga, Kuki, Zomi, and Hmar. Unfenced borders and unregulated migration from Myanmar further spark ethnic conflicts resulting in widespread violence, extortion, and diverse demands from various Indian Insurgent Groups. Implementing a smart fencing system would thwart unauthorized entry and infiltration by insurgents and illicit actors, addressing a critical security issue.
Enhancing Surveillance
The SFS, equipped with high-end surveillance technologies, would monitor and respond to border breaches in real time, thus offering a robust security solution.
Tackling Complex Security Challenges
The northeastern region grapples with a fragile security situation due to challenging terrain, socio-economic development issues, tribal rivalries, and migration. By addressing these threats proactively, the smart fencing system can help maintain peace and stability.
The India-Myanmar Border: Key Points
India shares an extensive land border (1643 km) and a maritime border with Myanmar in the Bay of Bengal. The Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram share this long boundary. According to the MHA’s annual report for 2022-23, 1472 km out of 1643 km have been demarcated. Border porosity and unfenced sections under bilateral agreements allow free movement of people and goods that often lead to illegal activities and insurgent operations. India and Myanmar also have a Free Movement Regime (FMR) in place, allowing tribal members of both countries to cross the border, subject to certain conditions. This FMR has been suspended by the Manipur government post-COVID-19.
Other Smart Fencing Projects in India
India’s first ‘smart fence’ pilot project was launched along the India-Pakistan border in 2018. It was followed by the launch of the BOLD-QIT project under the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) along the Indo-Bangladesh border in 2019. Two pilot projects covering about 71 Kms on the Indo-Pakistan Border and Indo-Bangladesh Border under CIBMS have been completed. The CIBMS uses various advanced surveillance technologies.
Previous Year UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
For reference, here are some previous year questions from the UPSC Civil Services Examination. In 2008, the question was, ‘Which Union Ministries does the Department of Border Management belong to?’. In 2021, candidates had to analyze the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors to India’s internal security. In 2020, candidates were asked to analyze internal security threats and trans-border crimes along the Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Pakistan borders. In 2016, the question dealt with the challenges and strategies for effective border management.
