The India-Myanmar border, spanning over 1,643 km, is largely porous, with rugged terrain and dense forests, making it susceptible to cross-border terrorism, drug trafficking, and illegal immigration. The Indian government’s recent decision to fence parts of the border aims to curb these challenges, particularly in states like Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. While fencing can be an effective deterrent, it must be complemented by broader strategic measures due to the region’s unique geographical and socio-cultural factors.

Fencing as an Effective Measure

A. Curbing Terrorist Activities:

• The India-Myanmar border has long been used by insurgent groups operating in the Northeast for cross-border movement, setting up bases in Myanmar, and launching attacks on Indian soil. Fencing certain sensitive areas can help restrict this movement, disrupting the operational capabilities of these groups.
• Example: Insurgent groups like the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) have historically used the porous border to hide in Myanmar, evade Indian security forces, and plan attacks. Fencing would make it harder for such groups to infiltrate into India.

B. Checking Drug Trafficking:

• The India-Myanmar border is part of the Golden Triangle, one of the largest opium-producing regions in the world, contributing to rampant drug smuggling into India’s northeastern states. Fencing can be a physical barrier to such smuggling routes, making it harder for traffickers to move illicit drugs into India.
• Example: The states of Manipur and Mizoram have been particularly affected by heroin and methamphetamine smuggling from Myanmar. Fencing, coupled with surveillance, can help block the inflow of drugs and reduce the drug crisis in these states.

C. Regulating Movement and Preventing Illegal Immigration:

• Fencing can help regulate the movement of people across the border, preventing illegal immigration and cross-border crimes, including the smuggling of goods and human trafficking.
• Data: In the last decade, there has been a surge in the illegal immigration of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. Fencing the border can help the Indian government better manage migration and security threats associated with such inflows.

D. Complementing Security Operations:

• Fencing provides physical support to ongoing counter-insurgency operations by security forces like the Assam Rifles and the Indian Army. By restricting movement, it helps reduce the operational space for insurgents.
• Example: The fencing along the India-Bangladesh border has helped significantly reduce cross-border infiltration and smuggling, providing a model for the India-Myanmar border as well.

Limitations and Challenges of Border Fencing

A. Porous Terrain and Cultural Ties:

• The difficult terrain along the India-Myanmar border, with its hills and forests, poses challenges to building and maintaining a fence. Moreover, many communities like the Nagas, Mizos, and Kukis live on both sides of the border and share deep cultural and familial ties, making fencing difficult without causing social disruptions.
• Example: In Manipur and Nagaland, certain tribes have kinship ties that transcend the international boundary, which may create tensions if the fencing disrupts traditional movement and trade.

B. Smuggling through Unfenced Areas:

• Fencing only certain stretches of the border may push drug traffickers and terrorist groups to exploit the remaining unfenced areas, continuing their activities in a more clandestine manner. Without comprehensive surveillance and cooperation with Myanmar, fencing alone may not stop the smuggling of drugs and arms.

C. Militant Safe Havens in Myanmar:

• Many insurgent groups maintain bases deep inside Myanmar. While fencing might prevent immediate infiltration, it does not address the root problem of insurgents operating from safe havens in Myanmar. Close bilateral cooperation with Myanmar’s military and intelligence agencies is essential for long-term peace and security in the region.

Government Initiatives to Strengthen Border Security

A. Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS):

• The Indian government has been implementing CIBMS on critical border areas, using surveillance technology, sensors, and drones to monitor border activity. The India-Myanmar border is set to be included in this strategy, supplementing the fencing with high-tech security solutions.
• Example: CIBMS is already being used along the India-Bangladesh border and is expected to enhance monitoring in remote areas where physical fencing is not possible along the India-Myanmar border.

B. Strengthening Assam Rifles:

• The Assam Rifles, the primary force responsible for guarding the India-Myanmar border, has been strengthened with better equipment and modern surveillance technologies. The force has played a critical role in controlling insurgency and cross-border smuggling.
• Example: The Assam Rifles, working in coordination with the Myanmar Army, has carried out successful operations targeting insurgent camps in Myanmar, demonstrating the importance of cross-border cooperation.

C. India-Myanmar Bilateral Cooperation:

• India and Myanmar have an active security cooperation agreement to conduct joint operations against insurgents and drug traffickers. The Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and other economic initiatives have also strengthened bilateral relations, creating a better framework for border management.
• Example: In 2019, India and Myanmar conducted joint military operations to target insurgent groups like the NSCN-K and the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), showcasing the importance of diplomatic and military cooperation in managing cross-border threats.

D. Free Movement Regime (FMR):

• The Free Movement Regime (FMR) allows people living within 16 km of the India-Myanmar border to cross without a visa, fostering traditional trade and familial ties. The challenge is to balance security with the legitimate needs of the local population, which could be addressed by stricter controls and better management of the FMR.
• Example: Reforms to the FMR, such as issuing identity cards and setting up designated crossing points, could allow cultural exchange while reducing illegal activities.

While fencing the India-Myanmar border can be an effective step to check terrorism and drug trafficking, it is not a standalone solution. It must be combined with modern surveillance systems, enhanced cross-border cooperation with Myanmar, and inclusive policies that respect the socio-cultural dynamics of the border region. The Indian government’s initiatives, such as the CIBMS and strengthening the Assam Rifles, are positive steps in ensuring a comprehensive border management strategy. Effective enforcement, coupled with collaboration with Myanmar and community engagement, is essential to making the border secure without disrupting local livelihoods and ties.

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