India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development being undertaken in these areas under the Border Area Development Programme.

Introduction

The India-China border extends over 3,400 km and includes contentious zones like the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and McMahon Line. The India-Pakistan border, spanning over 3,300 km, includes the Radcliffe Line and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

Conflicting issues and security challenges along the India-China Border

• Territorial disputes
  • Aksai Chin: China has a presence in this region which is a part of Ladakh. The conflict escalated during the 1962 war and remains unresolved.
    • Eg. Galwan valley skirmish 2020.
  • Arunachal Pradesh: China claims this region as part of South Tibet.
• Frequent border incursions
  • The Chinese PLA regularly crosses the LAC.
    • Eg. Standoffs like Pangong Tso and Doklam.
• Infrastructure development by China
  • China has aggressively built infrastructure near the LAC, including highways and airbases, increasing its military capability and posing a direct security threat to India.

Conflicting issues and security challenges along the India-Pakistan Border

• Territorial disputes
  • Pakistan has claim on Jammu and Kashmir, leading to military conflicts such as the wars of 1947, 1965 and 1999 (Kargil War).
• Cross-Border terrorism
  • Pakistan supports infiltration of militants across the LoC, contributing to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. 
    • Eg. Pulwama attack in 2019.
• Ceasefire violations
  • Despite ceasefire agreements, the LoC experiences regular violations, with shelling affecting civilian populations and escalating military tensions, especially in areas like Poonch and Rajouri in recent times. 

Development initiatives in Border areas

• Under Border Area Development Programme (BADP)
  • BADP aims to promote infrastructure and socio–economic development in international border areas.
  • Projects. 
    • Construction of roads, bridges and communication networks
    • Upgradation of health and education facilities
    • Promotion of agriculture and allied activities 
    • Skill development and livelihood generation programs
• Under Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) scheme
  • BIM focuses on improving border security infrastructure by constructing fencing, border outposts and patrol roads.
  • Projects: 
    • Fencing and floodlighting along vulnerable stretches
    • Integrated check posts for streamlined trade and transit   
    • Border outposts and company operating bases for enhanced troop deployment.
    • Technological solutions like surveillance systems and sensors.

Conclusion

Resolving these border issues require both diplomatic engagement and military preparedness. Enhancing border security and infrastructure, alongside development under BADP and BIM schemes are essential to safeguard India’s territorial integrity and improve the living standards of border communities.

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