GS3 2020 Q20 15 marks 250 words Border security

UPSC Mains 2020 GS3 Q20 — Border security

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. (Answer in 250 words)

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Question Decoded — examiner's intent

Directive verbs
Analyzediscuss
Scope keywords
internal security threatstransborder crimesMyanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan bordersLine of Control (LoC)role played by various security forces
Implicit sub-parts
  • Specific threat profile for each border (Insurgency in Myanmar, Cattle smuggling/FICN in Bangladesh, Terrorism/Ceasefire violations in Pakistan)
  • The nexus between organized transborder crime and militancy (Narco-terrorism)
  • Differentiations between 'International Border' vs 'Line of Control' security protocols
  • Effectiveness and mandate of specific forces (BSF, Assam Rifles, Indian Army)
  • Challenges in border management (topography, demographic overlaps, and technology gaps)
Common pitfalls
  • Treating all three borders with a generic list of threats instead of distinguishing their unique challenges (e.g., ignoring the 'unfenced' nature of Myanmar vs the 'high-tech' fencing of Pakistan)
  • Focusing only on threats and neglecting the second half of the question regarding the specific roles of security forces
  • Failing to mention the 'One Border One Force' principle and naming the wrong force for a specific border
  • Ignoring the specific mention of 'Line of Control' which implies a focus on active cross-border infiltration and military-led security rather than just policing
Dimensions required
Geographic/TopographicalTactical/OperationalTechnologicalGeopoliticalInstitutional/Administrative
Marks allocation hint

Allocate roughly 150 words to the analysis of border-specific threats, using a structured approach (Pakistan/LoC, Bangladesh, Myanmar). Reserve the remaining 100 words to discuss the specific roles of BSF, Assam Rifles, and the Army, ensuring a link is made between the nature of the threat and the force's specialized mandate.

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