UPSC Mains 2019 GS3 Q20 — Border Management
Cross-border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the challenges. (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Examinediscuss
- Scope keywords
- Cross-border movement of insurgentssecurity challengespolicing of the borderNorth-East IndiaIndia-Myanmar border
- Implicit sub-parts
- What makes the India-Myanmar border geographically and ethnically distinct from other borders?
- What are the non-insurgency challenges such as the Golden Triangle drug trade and weapon smuggling?
- How has the recent coup in Myanmar and the influx of refugees complicated border management?
- An assessment of the 'Free Movement Regime' (FMR) and the recent decision to scrap it.
- The role of physical infrastructure (fencing) versus technological surveillance in this specific terrain.
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too much time on general North-East insurgency history instead of current India-Myanmar specificities.
- Failing to mention the impact of the 2021 Myanmar military coup on border stability and refugee influx.
- Ignoring the 'Free Movement Regime' (FMR) which is the most contemporary policy flashpoint for this border.
- Neglecting the 'Golden Triangle' link and the shift from opium to synthetic drugs (Yaba tablets).
- Focusing only on threats without discussing the diplomatic and bilateral steps taken with the Tatmadaw.
- Dimensions required
- GeopoliticalGeographical/TopographicalSocio-ethnicAdministrative/PolicingDiplomaticInternal Security
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 3 marks for the context of cross-border insurgency. Devote 6 marks to the 'various challenges' including FMR misuse, drug trafficking (Golden Triangle), and refugee influx. Dedicate the remaining 6 marks to counter-measures like the Border Fence Project, scrapping of FMR, Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), and bilateral cooperation.
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