Electronic Surveillance System in JK Border

Syllabus: GS3/Internal Security

Context

• The Union Home Minister announced two models of an electronic surveillance system along the Jammu Kashmir border.

About

• Technology is expected to be deployed along the entire India-Pakistan border in the next four years.
  • The Union Home Minister acknowledged that while terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is reduced, it is not fully eliminated.
• Technology Initiatives: Over 26 technology initiatives, including anti-drone and tunnel detection technology, are being tested, with some results expected by 2026.
  • Two models of electronic surveillance systems are being developed for the entire India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders to improve response capabilities of security forces.

:Borders in India

• India currently has more than 15000 km of land borders. 
• It shares borders with seven countries, Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. 

Border Management in India

• Border guarding responsibility initially was with the state forces post-independence, however, the same was found inadequate to handle the challenges and threats. 
• Central armed police forces (CAPFs) were raised under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and were tasked to guard the borders under the control of the ministry. 
• In case of active hostilities, the Army is given the responsibility to man the borders. 

Need for Border Management

• India-Pakistan Border: Ongoing issue since 1947 with four wars fought (1947-48, 1965, 1971, and 1999).
  • Active Line of Control (LC) with both Army and BSF deployed.
• India-China Border: Disputed borders in Ladakh, Middle Sector, and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Limited progress in resolving disputes despite multiple talks.
• India-Bangladesh Border: Relations fluctuate based on political changes.
  • External influences (Pakistan, China) pose threats to stability.
• India-Bhutan Border: India defends Bhutan, particularly in case of Chinese aggression (e.g., Doklam 2017).
• India-Nepal Border: Challenges include porous border management and Chinese infrastructure developments near the border.
• India-Myanmar Border: Long border with Myanmar, connecting to China and Bangladesh.
  • Porous, with local communities living on both sides.
  • Influx of refugees into India, especially in Manipur.

Challenges In Managing the Borders

• Length and Diversity: India shares extensive borders with multiple countries, each with unique geographical features (mountains, rivers, plains), making monitoring and control difficult.
• Porosity of Borders: Many borders are porous, allowing illegal crossings of people, goods, and contraband (drugs, weapons), exacerbated by difficult terrain like dense forests and rivers.
• Cross-Border Terrorism: Pakistan-based militant groups exploit porous borders to infiltrate and carry out attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, creating significant security concerns.
• Ethnic and Tribal Dynamics: Border regions are home to diverse ethnic and tribal communities with cross-border ties, requiring sensitive management of grievances and aspirations to prevent exploitation by external forces.
• Dispute over Borders: India has unresolved border disputes, especially with China and Pakistan, leading to tensions and requiring constant vigilance and diplomacy.
• Infrastructure Development: Many border areas lack basic infrastructure (roads, communication, outposts), hindering effective border management and surveillance efforts.
• Humanitarian Concerns: Borders with politically unstable countries lead to refugee influxes and humanitarian crises, requiring careful management to balance security with international obligations.

Way Ahead

• Border Roads Organisation (BRO): Constructed over 8,500 km of roads and more than 400 permanent bridges.
  • Key Tunnels: Atal Tunnel, Sela Tunnel, and Shikun-La Tunnel (soon to be the world’s highest tunnel) will be major milestones in border area development.

Source: TH