COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FOR BORDER MANAGEMENT

India possesses 14,880 kilometers of land border spanning 92 districts across 17 States, along with a coastline extending 5,422 kilometers touching 12 States and Union Territories. Additionally, it encompasses 1,197 islands, contributing to an extra 2,094 kilometers of coastline. The country has 51 Bangladeshi enclaves within its borders, covering 7,110.02 acres, and 111 Indian enclaves within Bangladesh, covering 17,158.13 acres. With the exception of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Delhi, and Haryana, all other States in India have international borders or a coastline, marking them as frontline States for border management.

India's land borders, from Sir Creek to the Bay of Bengal, exhibit diverse geography. Many border areas pose unique challenges, including porous and un-demarcated stretches, physically unguarded sections due to terrain constraints, and cultural distinctions from the mainland or neighboring regions. These regions face issues of remoteness in administration, low visibility, illegal immigration, and smuggling activities, demanding comprehensive measures for national security.

Effective border management is deemed crucial for national security, involving not just border guarding forces and Central Government agencies but also the active involvement of State Civil Administration and the border population. The people residing in these border areas face various hardships such as difficult terrain, harsh living conditions, limited access to public amenities, and frequent disturbances due to cross-border shelling. Hostile neighboring efforts, including allurements and religious influence, aim to create alienation among these border communities.

Inherent Disadvantage of the Border Population

The disadvantages experienced by the border population encompass vulnerability to border criminals, restricted movement, fear of aggression, lack of economic progress and governmental attention, inadequate infrastructure, communication means, education, medical facilities, and the inherent remoteness of these areas

Shifting the approach towards border management involves a crucial aspect: integrating the local community into the process. It's essential to prevent the isolation of the border population by creating inclusive policies that resonate with their needs. Recognizing the local community as a significant stakeholder in border management is vital. While global trends favor community-based policing and integrated multinational border management systems, India largely relies on a security-focused approach using Central Para Military Forces (CPMF) specifically organized as a Border Guarding Police Force (BGF).

These forces serve as the primary representation of governance in border areas, entrusted with maintaining territorial integrity and providing a sense of security to the border population. The Border Security Force (BSF) Rules highlight the importance of fostering a sense of security among people living in these areas. Despite these efforts, there's often dissatisfaction and alienation among India's border population towards the BGF. This sentiment stems from the restrictive nature of their duties, which sometimes clash with the interests of the locals—such as movement restrictions impacting economic activities.

Several factors contribute to this discord:

1. Impact on Livelihood due to Smuggling Prevention: The prevention of smuggling, often a means of livelihood for locals, is viewed negatively as it interferes with their economic activities.

2. Communication Barriers: Lack of communication between the BGF and locals leads to distrust and conflicts.

3. Distrust and Limited Interaction: Minimal interaction between BGF personnel and locals creates a gap, damaging the working environment.

4. Issues with Border Fencing: Construction of fences affects local farmers' access to farmland, causing friction due to stringent regulations and frequent security checks.

5. Hostile Interests and Agitation: Criminal elements exploit situations for their benefit, garnering support from locals against the BGF, leading to confrontations and even violence.

6. Operational Challenges: Measures taken by BGF to combat terrorism and insurgency inconvenience locals, leading to discontent and exploitation by hostile elements.

The existing approach primarily focused on guarding borders lacks a comprehensive community relationship perspective. For a more effective border management strategy, acknowledging and addressing these grievances while fostering better community relations within the operational framework is crucial

Integrating Local Population in Border Management

Incorporating the Local Population in Border Management involves recognizing them as pivotal to securing and safeguarding the border regions. Establishing Village Defence and Development Committees at grassroots levels, in collaboration with local communities, would significantly enhance border security and development. This approach not only fosters a sense of belonging among the locals but also requires training, motivation, and incentives to engage them effectively in border management activities. Once trained and motivated, they can serve as a valuable asset in addressing localized border issues.

Tasks that the local populace, through initiatives like Village Defence Committees (VDC), could undertake include:

• Reporting any illegal activities or border infiltrations
• Surveillance of designated areas
• Notifying authorities about abnormal activities, especially in challenging terrains
• Reporting subversive enemy activities
• Assisting in the construction and upkeep of roads, pathways, and border fences
• Providing crucial information to Armed Forces during both peace and conflict times regarding enemy activities
• Safeguarding villages against cross-border criminals or threats
• Acting as guides for the Armed Forces when necessary

In challenging riverine areas, forming fishermen watch groups can effectively bridge surveillance gaps in territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on a consistent basis.

The relationship between Border Guarding Forces (BGF) and the border population should be seen as a managerial function that considers public perception and attitudes. To foster this positive relationship:

• Ensuring adequate security measures
• Improving basic amenities, infrastructure, and living conditions in border areas
• Assisting in creating employment opportunities

BGF should identify community-centric programs and initiatives that include:

• Identifying and developing projects in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and employment
• Establishing effective communication channels with villagers to build trust and encourage cooperation
• Educating the public about the challenges faced by the force
• Portraying a positive image of BGF through media
• Upholding ethical standards and initiating attitudinal changes within the force

At the operational level, Civic Action Programmes (CAP) and population support measures should be developed. These initiatives should be ongoing, responsive to local needs and aspirations, and might involve funds allocated directly to BGF or through State Governments. However, the identification, selection, and monitoring of these projects should primarily remain under the purview of the BGF, even if executed through State Governments or NGOs

 Responsibility of Government

Government responsibility plays a crucial role in nurturing the relationship between Border Guarding Forces (BGF) and the community. Political determination is pivotal in creating an environment that fosters this relationship. If the objective is to shift from merely 'guarding' borders to a comprehensive 'management' approach, both Central and State Governments need to share this responsibility. Unemployment and poverty in border areas often drive people towards smuggling. When repressive measures are imposed by BGF without acknowledging the ground realities, it deprives locals of their sole source of income, leading to alienation. This perception paints the BGF as adversaries rather than allies, hindering community relations. Improvement necessitates the Government's efforts in resource creation and dignified employment generation for these communities.

BGF should actively participate in formulating projects for the welfare and empowerment of the border population, equipped with adequate resources and authority to oversee and execute such initiatives. Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) should exclusively focus on border-centric development and involve the local population. BGF should have a substantial say in planning BADP schemes, consulting the community.

Steps to enhance BGF's community relations and personnel capabilities could involve:

• Reviewing Field Procedures: Reevaluate regulations that create distance between forces and civilians.
• Ethical Training: Continuous training and monitoring to build a morally and ethically strong force.
• Community-Oriented Training: Prepare BGF for the unique challenges of border areas, including handling public opinions through sustained training.
• Grievance Redress Mechanism: Systematically reassess the grievance redressal system to address public concerns instead of isolating from them.
• Engagement Programs: Conduct periodic outreach events, cultural shows, games, and invite villagers to the Border Outpost (BOP) to bridge gaps and increase awareness.

To enhance community participation in border management and build trust:

• Attitudinal Change: Foster empathy toward the local population.
• Project Identification: Identify and develop projects in collaboration with the community.
• Educational Campaigns: Educate locals about BGF constraints, operations, and maintain a positive image through media.
• Transparent Communication: Clearly explain imposed restrictions and BGF's challenges to foster understanding.
• Respect Local Customs: Show respect for local customs and traditions, adhere to ethical standards, and build trust.
• Community Assistance: Extend aid during emergencies, provide health assistance, and engage in civic action programs.
• Maintain Respectful Behavior: Uphold ethical conduct, respect local languages, women, elders, and religious customs without favoritism or maltreatment