Management of India s Border in Jammu and Kashmir: Infinite or Absolute

Transcription

1 Management of India s Border in Jammu and Kashmir: Infinite or Absolute Renu Balla PhD Research Scholar, Department of National Security Studies, Central University of Jammu Dr. Neeta Rani Assistant Professor, Department of National Security Studies, Central University of Jammu Abstract Every nation try to secure its national interests by different means. Protection of borders is one of the national interests for almost all countries in the world. However for securing its border a nation requires proper management of its borders. The Jammu and Kashmir state in India is the most affected in context of its border management system. The state itself has three types of borders known as international border, line of control and Actual ground Position Line. Each border has different requirements for its management. Moreover, the difficult topography, high attitude area like Siachen Glacier, riverine areas, dense forests, heavy fog and snowfall, further bring challenges for the management of border in J&K state. The state is also suffering from various internal problems and incidents of ceasefire violations which divert the attentions of the forces and government to deal with these issues first than managing the border. The paper deals with the management of the border in J&K state. It discusses various issues which affects the border management practices in J&K along with the role of Indian government in strengthening and management of the border in J&K. Key words: AGPL, Border Management, Ceasefire violations, International border, Loc. Objectives The paper has following objectives: To find out the existing condition along India-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir. To analyze the issues along the India Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir. To explain the role of the Indian government in management of border. Research Methodology The paper has been written with the help of qualitative method and is descriptive and analytical. Both primary and secondary sources have been utilized to bring out the final outcome of the research work. Area of Study The focus of the study is limited to J&K state with respect to management of the India s border with Pakistan. It covers various issues and problems for the management of India-Pakistan s border and evaluates Indian government s role for the same. Introduction India shares 3,323 km border long border with Pakistan which runs through Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Punjab to J&K (Das, 2014). J&K is one of the most important state of India and consists of three regions Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. It is situated in north of Indian and lies between the coordinates 32º 17' to 37º 20' North latitude and 73º 25' to 80º 30' East longitude. The total area of this state is 2,22,236 sq. km. out of which 78,114 sq. km. is illegally occupied by Pakistan and 37,555 sq. kms is with China. In 82 The research journal of social sciences November 2018 volume 9 number 11

2 addition to this, 5180 sq. kms. of J&K was illegally ceded to China by Pakistan under the March 1963 Sino-Pak boundary agreement. J&K shares border with Pakistan, Afghanistan and China. It is one of the most tensed areas in India. India shares three types of border with Pakistan in entire J&K state i.e IB, LOC and AGPL. International border in Jammu is 210 km which starts from Pahar pur and ends in Akhnoor. LoC is 778 km long and begins from Akhnoor and ends in NJ LoC is de facto border which separates Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK) from India s state of J&K. It is also known as Ceasefire line running from the banks of Chenab in Jammu to the districts of Rajouri, Poonch, Baramula, Kupwara, Kargil and some portions of Leh. The Actual Ground Position line (AGPL) is 110km long and starts from NJ 9842 to Indira Col in the north (Singh, 2017). It separates India from Pakistan at Siachen Glacier. India- Pakistan border in J&K is one of the most active and sensitive border. Borders of R.S Pura, Arnia, Samba sector, Poonch, Rajouri, Uri are the most active ones here. There are many internal and external threats which have been faced by J&K region. Issues such as border dispute, Kashmir dispute, communal issues, Article 370, the Armed Force Special power Act etc in J&K are hampering the peace of the state. Kashmir is center point of the all conflicts between India and Pakistan. It has already become an international issue due to its disputed status. As it has been the root cause of all problems between India and Pakistan, all issues revolve around the same. Even tough terrain ceasefire violations, terrorism etc have made the management of the India s border with Pakistan a difficult task for the Indian government. Management of the India s border in J & K Since Independence, the armed forces and Indian government are struggling to stabilize and manage India s border with Pakistan. Though many efforts have already been made to secure our border but still it lacks comprehensive approach. A number of challenges come across while managing borders in J&K state. The complex nature of terrain, climatic conditions, Ceasefire violations, cross border terrorism, secessionist violence, sponsorship and support to the insurgents/militants from across the border etc. are the issues which affects, the border management practices, security, internal peace as well as people of the state and India as a whole. These challenges are discussed below in detail (Das, 2014). Internal conflict of Jammu and Kashmir Instability in J&K also affects internal peace and security within the state along with management of border. Majority of people in Kashmir are against the security forces of India and some support the terrorist in J&K. According to an Indian perspective, the external elements responsible for conflict in Kashmir include involvement of Pakistan and its claims over the state of J&K whereas internal element of conflict includes the socio-political demands of the people of separate Kashmir as separate J&K. The external element was the result of four wars over Kashmir between India and Pakistan. The extension of a proxy war in Kashmir by Kashmiri people with support of Pakistan against India has disturbed the internal security of India. Stone pelting by Kashmiri people at the security forces has disturbed the peace of J&K. As many youngster along with children are being involved in pelting stone on the security forces. Most of the time they are being paid to throw stones and sometimes nonstate actors trigger a sense of the anger and anti-national feeling among Kashmiri people to encourage them to pelt stone and save/support the terrorists. The internal conflicts increase when there is a clash of ideology among the people in valley. Many of the people have already joined militancy from J&K state; Burhan Wani was the most influential one among those, this death brought 83 The research journal of social sciences November 2018 volume 9 number 11

3 conflicts within the area of the Tral Pulwama. A curfew was imposed, several people died and some got injured. The normal life of the people was affected due to all these conflicts and disturbances. Moreover, the security forces and government s attention get diverted to internal problems and conflicts rather than on the proper management of the border. Hence, the internal conflicts in J&K cause difficulties in India s border management in the state. Topography of Jammu and Kashmir: The topography of the state of J&K is very harsh and difficult IB, LoC, and AGPL between India and Pakistan run through various tough terrains like riverine area, snow and forest cover mountains; there is fog and heavy snowfall in Kashmir and Ladakh valley. Area of Siachen Glacier is situated at the height of 5,753 meters in the eastern Karakoram Range is area covered with heavy snow throughout the year and guarding the border in this area is very tough because of low temperature. The securing and managing of border in J&K is challenging task. The difficult terrain and harsh topography make an easy way for the terrorist to penetrate in the state. They use mostly easy areas to cross the borders, but it becomes boon for them when the Indian security forces find it difficult to guard those borders which are in difficult terrain in J&K. The terrorist use those areas where the Indian security forces do not guard or manage the border. Terrorist used mainly routes from Uri, Naushera, Tangdhar, Nowgam, Poonch, and Macchhil, Maiyan and Pattan village north of Uri, Pattan from the west, and Gawhalan Singtung and Silikote from the south ( Das, 2014). Cross border terrorism Cross border terrorism is one of the big challenges faced by India. It also affects the security and border management practices. In J&K terrorism has been supported by Pakistan and terrorist activities increase every day. There are many terrorist groups in Kashmir which are supported and funded by Pakistan. These groups are Harakat ul-mujahideen, Jaish-e- Mohammed, and Lashkar-e-Taiba. While the first militant group has been listed for many years, the other two groups were added after 2001 Indian parliament attack. 1 Pakistan has been supplying arms and money to these terrorists groups in Kashmir. The main aim of Pakistan s sponsored terrorism in Kashmir is to use violence to affect the psychology of India and people of Kashmir and also disturb the peace of country. According to UN report Pakistan based terrorism group used and recruited children in Jammu and Kashmir during clashes with security. According to the report of UN Secretary General during the tension in Kashmir children are continued to be affected and used by terrorist to spread violence between Kashmiri people and armed groups. There have been three incidents of use and recruitment of children by the two terrorist organization in Jammu and Kashmir during clashes between terrorist and security forces."one case was attributed to Jaish-e-Mohammed and two to Hizbul Mujahideen (PTI, 2018). The cross-border terrorism contributes to insecurity of the J&K state. In this case security forces and government focuses more on dealing with terrorist activities, which results in poor management of borders. Therefore, Cross-border terrorism is considered as an obstacle in the proper and systematic management of the India s border with Pakistan in J&K state ( 84 The research journal of social sciences November 2018 volume 9 number 11

4 Following table shows the number of terrorist incidents occurred and civilians killed along the border with security force and terrorists killed in J&K due to various terrorist incidents: Table 1: Casualties in terrorist initiated Incidents S.no Incidents (upto 11 th ) 1 Number of terrorists violence incidents Number of encounters 3 Terrorists/suspects arrested Terrorists Killed Security Force Personnel killed Source: Ministry of Home Affairs Ceasefire violations Ceasefire violation in J&K is also a big problem for the security of state. It largely affects the people living along the border, security forces, the security of border, border management practices etc. In India, nowhere else the problem of cross border firings has been reported other than the state of J&K. The table given below gives the details of incidents of cross border firings / ceasefire violations, number of civilians as well as security force personnel injured and (J&K):- Year Table 2: Incidents of Ceasefire Violations Along the Line Control in the State of J&K under operational control of Army Along the International Border in the State of J&K under operational control of BSF upto February Source: Ministry of Home Affairs Table 3: Incidents of ceasefire Year Civilians Army personnel BSF personnel Killed Injured Killed Injured Killed injured The research journal of social sciences November 2018 volume 9 number 11

5 2018 upto February Source: Report of Ministry of Home Affairs In J&K, during the month of Ramazan, 338 incidents of cross border firing were reported from 17 th May 2018 to 16 th June 2018 against 139 during the period of 16 th April 2018 to 16 th May People living along the LoC and IB leave their homes temporarily during the cross-border firing as it becomes difficult for them to carry out their routine work during this time period. Moreover, many innocents lost their lives due to ceasefire violations case. Many got injured; some got maimed, which impacted their future earning/livelihood. The details of incidents of cross border firings along Line of Control /International Border in Jammu and Kashmir, casualties of civilian and security personnel ( Ministry of Home Affairs, 2018) : - Table 4: Ceasefire violations in 2018 Month No. of ceasefire violations/cross border firings Casualties of Security Personnel Casualties of Civilians Martyred Injured Martyred Injured April May June Source: Ministry of Home Affairs The ceasefire incidents provide an easy cover to the militants to cross the border and proliferate in Indian territory. They spread terrorist activities, ceasefire firing and brings difficulties in managing these. Sometimes, the increased casualty rate demoralizes the armed forces; which can further reduce their capability to guard the border. Lack of infrastructure development Infrastructure includes bunkers, observation towers, fencing flood lights, roads and Border out Post along the border area. The lack of infrastructure along the border in Jammu and Kashmir has become a major obstacle in the border management practices. There is poor infrastructure development due to tough topography like riverine and nallahs, climatic and ge ographical conditions which makes it vulnerable for the infiltrations of terrorist in J&K. Poor road connectivity, poor communication facilities, electricity, damage of floodlighting and fencing during the floods and lack of bunker facilities create problems for BSF personal. Undemarcated Border in Jammu and Kashmir 86 The research journal of social sciences November 2018 volume 9 number 11

6 The border between India-Pakistan in J&K state is not properly demarcated because of tough terrain, snow covered mountain, dense forest and riverine. International border, Line of control and Actual Ground Position Line all these borders are main source of conflict between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir state. Pakistan considered IB, Loc and AGPL as working boundary. Since, the borders are not marked properly, the forces find it difficult to keep eye on open and undemarcated border. Moreover, it also become easy for enemy forces to occupy and capture the territories without any demarcation. Pakistan fought various wars with India over boundaries in the past (Jamwal, 2002). Role of Government in Management of Border in Jammu and Kashmir Management of border is most important for security of a nation. In order to combat with all the problems India has adopted various approaches toward management of border which includes security of border against terrorist and cross border firing. Development of border area, CBMs etc is the practices of government for management of border. International border between India and Pakistan is guarded by BSF whereas LoC and AGPL are protected by the Indian Army. The main function of the BSF is to secure the border during peacetime. At the time of war it is the responsibilities of Army to defend border. The BSF plays limited role during war that is to help the Army. The role of BSF is to prevent the cross-border crime, to secure the people living along the border area, to check the infiltration, to check the activities of smuggler and to collect trans border intelligence. The MHA government of India is actively working for the management of border in J&K state. It has various departments and divisions under it, which are engaged in the task of border management. These are as follow: Jammu and Kashmir Division: This division under the Ministry of Home Affairs deals with constitutional matters including Article 370 of the Constitution of India and general policy of J&K and also deals with all matters relating to the state of Jammu and Kashmir which includes terrorism, lack of coordination between the different departments like Ministry of Defence as regards manning and managing the line of control between India and Pakistan (Ministry of Home Affairs). Border Management Department: The Department of Border Management was created under the Ministry of Home Affairs in January, Its main objective is to secure and manage the international land & coastal borders. Strengthening of India s international and coastal border and formulation of border policies, development of infrastructure such as fencing and flood lighting, roads along the borders and implementation of the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) are also responsibilities of Border Management department (Ministry of Home Affairs). The government of India has sanctioned fencing, floodlights and construction of Border Out Post along the International Border in the state of Jammu & Kashmir in order to counter with the cross- border firing and infiltration and other crimes along the Indo-Pakistan border in J&K. The status of progress of fencing, floodlighting and Border out Post on this border (as on ) is indicated below ( Ministry of Home Affairs 2018):- 87 The research journal of social sciences November 2018 volume 9 number 11

7 Table 5: Border out Post in Jammu Approved Already existing To be established Source : Ministry of Home Affairs Table 5: Fencing and floodlighting in Jammu Total length of border Sanctioned Fence Completed Fence Balance Fencing Floodlighting Source : Ministry of Home Affairs Border Area Development Programme: Department of Border Management under the Ministry of Home Affair has been implementing Border Area Development Programme as part of comprehensive approach to India s management of international border. It is an important strategy of government of India for development of border area. The aim of this programme is to fulfill the social needs of the people living along the international border in Jammu and Kashmir. The programme covers 111 border districts of 17 states. The allocation of funds under the Border Area Development Programme for development of border area are increased from Rs 990 crore in to Rs to 110 crore (planningcommission.gov.in.). Cross Loc trade and Travel: Government of India under CBMs started Cross-Loc trade and Travel between India and Pakistan. It is also a part of management of border practices. Poonch-Rawalakot and Srinagar-Muzaffarabad are two route opened for the purpose of trade and travelling. The Cross-Loc travel was inaugurated on 7 April 2005 via Srinagar- Muzaffarabad and through Poonch-Rawalakote route in June 20, 2006 and Cross Loc trade was started on 21 October 2008 through Poonch-Rawalakot and Srinagar-Muzaffarabad. The objectives of cross-loc trade are to develop people-to-people contacts, increase trade and commerce relations and also to develop and strengthen bilateral relations between both countries. The cross-loc trade provided employment opportunities to the people, help in bringing of peace, reconnect the divided families, help in decrease militancy by engaging the people. In 2016, government of India sanctioned Rs crore and crore to the 88 The research journal of social sciences November 2018 volume 9 number 11

8 State Government of J&K for up gradation of Trade Facilitaion Center at Chakan-da-Bagh and Salamabad ( Ministry of Home Affairs). Table: Cross Loc Travel No. of passenger visited (upto ) No. of passenger returned (upto ) Indian POJK Source: Ministry of Home Affairs The number of passengers (Indian and Pak Nationals) who used cross-loc travel services till on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakote routes were and Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) Programme: The CIBMS involves deployment of high technology techniques along the International border such as state-of-the-art surveillance technologies, infra-red, thermal imagers and laser-based intruder alarms that form an invisible land fence, aerostats for aerial surveillance, unattended ground sensors that can help detect intrusion bids through tunnels, radars, sonar systems to secure riverine borders, fibreoptic sensors and a command and control system that will receive data from all surveillance device in real time. The implementation of CIBMS will help in reducing the number of casualties in security forces and also reduce the stress level in the forces in future. On 17 September 2018, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated two pilot projects of "smart" border fencing built under the CIBMS programme in Jammu along the International border in Jammu. These two projects cover a 5.5 km-border stretches along the international border in Jammu. High-tech surveillance system along the border will create an invisible electronic barrier on water, land, and even in air and underground, helping the Border Security Force (BSF) detect and foil infiltration even in most difficult terrain (Jain,Bharti 2018). Like Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence in India is also involved in the management of border between India and Pakistan. It plays an important role in protecting and managing of border in Jammu and Kashmir. Line of control is managed and protected by Ministry of Defence. Its responsibilities include to deal with unstable condition in Jammu and Kashmir, cross border terrorist activities and violation of ceasefire along the Loc. Border Road Organization under Ministry of Defence also has dealt with construction of road along the border area (Ministry of Defense). On 18 May 1986, BEACON project for development of road in Jammu and Kashmir was raised with its Headquarter at Srinagar. It is known as life line of Jammu and Kashmir. The tasks of this project was to develop the road Sonamarg-Kargil-Karu,leh-Karu- 89 The research journal of social sciences November 2018 volume 9 number 11

9 Upshi-Dungti-Chusul,Karu-Tangtse Chusul,Dugti-Dechok and Tangtse-Lukung- Phobrang. Later on Leh-Upshi-sarchu was also added to this project. Even after having too many difficulties like tough terrain, insurgency and adverse climate this project has constructed 4000 km roads in Jammu and Kashmir. This project not only connects various part of the state but also provides employment opportunities to the local people which help to develop socio-economic condition of the people (Ministry of Defense). To increase the road facilities in Jammu and Kashmir Border Road organization under Ministry of Defence raised a new project Sampark in January The task of this project was to develop and improve the road facilities in Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch Sector (Ministry of Defence). Border Road Organization also started project HIMANK for improving and, maintaining the road over three passes i.e Tanglangla,Khardungla and Changlain Ladakh (Ministry of Defence).. In 1975 another project SAMPARK was started by Border Road Organization in Jammu. The project increased the strength of road from 843 km in 1975 to 2310 km in The project has completed 2146 km equivalent CI-9 formation cutting, 3457 km of road was renewal, 2078 km of surfacing, 35 major bridges, and also strengthening of Pathankot, Agra air fields and Rajouri Air Strip. The other achievement of this project were construction of road Budhi-Mohr-Gul,Basohali-Bhaderwah,Nagrota by Pass and also improved NH double lane road of Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch,Rajouri-Kandibudi-Mohr-Gul and Chakki-Dhar-Udhampur. The project was also assigned with the improvement and development of four lane road of NH Pathankot to Jammu. The biggest achievement of SAMPARK project was Atal Setu in Basholi, it is km long bridge. The bridge link Kashmir with Pathankot in Punjab Barikhet in Himachal Pradesh. This project has also provided yeomen service which mean providing effective communication facilities in militancy affected area along turbulent International border and the Line of Control (Ministry of Defence). After Kargil war 1999 Border Road Organization with its Headquarter at Kargil was raised VIJAYAK project which started functioning on 21 September 2010 for the development and construction of road in western Ladakh. The aim of this project was to improve Kargil-Leh to double road, construction of road Bimmu-Padam-Darcha which connects Ladakh with Himachal Pradesh. In addition, improvement and construction of road Wangla-Fangila-Sumdho-Photoksar-Yelchung-Nirag to Sanku- Kunnore-Spila-Mulbek to NHIW also comes under this project (Ministry of Defence). Status of Management of border in Jammu and Kashmir The border management system is not very good in J&K state.it is difficult to manage border in a state which has variation in its topography. The border in J&K pass through tough terrain, snow clad mountains and riverine. Moreover, there is delay in the submission of the details related to any project related to border management which leads to the slow implementation of the same and problem in acquiring lands. Another result is that the money for the project will be sanctioned late by the concerned authorities, The people residing on border area are not want very much friendly 90 The research journal of social sciences November 2018 volume 9 number 11

10 either. They do not want any of interferences from outsides. All these factors are responsible for poor border management projects. In addition, there is lack of resources, ill-equipment for modern border management system and intelligence gathering, Sharing of informations and lack of coordination between the institutions are imperfect in the state which are also responsible for ineffective border management system The Government of India had sanctioned construction/upgradation of 126 BOPs (including up gradation of 38 BOPs in Jammu) to reduce the distance between BOP and this was supposed to be completed by However, the construction of BOP along border is delayed due to land acquisition, public protests and statutory clearances etc. The Committee also noticed that road connectivity along the border in J&K is also very poor. In March 2011, government approved estimated Rs 341 crore for construction of metalled roads, earthen bunds and Naka-Cum-Machan- Cum fighting bunkers over 179 km along the border area in J&K. On 31th December 2016, Rs crore already released by government of India for land acquisition. Ministry is not seriously taking up the issue of poor road connectivity in the Jammu sector along the IB border and also there is slow process of the project such as metalled roads, construct bunds, and bunkers along the fence in the Jammu sector. The lack of adequate facilities, like road connectivity in border areas, is vulnerable to external threats such as cross-border terrorism in Jammu region. All these are loophole in Border management system which is responsible cross border terrorism. Conclusion Management of India s border s in J&K state is a long term process which requires many efforts and activities. Suitable government policies on border management especially for J&K state, can counter various threats to India s security. Though there is a difficulty with contest to topography in J&K which makes border management infinite and continue process, but with the help of technological infrastructure along the border areas, some of the difficulties can be removed, which no doubt requires government s dedicated involvement. Moreover, proper cooperation and coordination among people armed forces and government can solve various security related issues in border areas of J&K state. Outcome of the study After analyzing the available data, the study came up with few suggestions which are mentioned below: There is an urgent need for the implementation of technological infrastructure at the earliest like radar, laser, thermal etc. The potential routes of infiltrations should be identified and surveillances should be increased. The development projects along border need to be develop on priority basis and clearance of project should be done on time bound manner. There should be two tier surveillances system of men and technology work in synergy. There should be proper cooperation and coordination among the security forces and intelligence agencies and also between security forces and people living along the border area. Men power should be increased along the border. There should be skilled technical staff for uses of technologies. 91 The research journal of social sciences November 2018 volume 9 number 11

11 The participation of the people requires an increase in border areas for developmental plans along the border. Government of India should create awareness among the people living along the border area about the effects of smuggling and infiltrations and should also announce rewards for those who providing information regarding any smuggling and infiltrations activities. Government of India should provide better infrastructure facilities to the BSF and Army forces. There is a need to increase cross border trade between India and Pakistan and open more and more trading center and routes along the border. References 1. Border Road Organization( BRO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, New Delhi. 2. Das Puspita, (2017) Issues in the Management of the India Pakistan International Border, Strategic Analysis, Vol. 38, No Jain, Bharti,(2018) International border in Jammu to get high-tech surveillance system India today. 4. Jamwal, N.S. (2002), Management of land borders Strategic Analysis, Vol. 26, No Kumar, Satish,(2017) India s National security: Annual review Border Management For National Security, Routledge, London. 6. Ministry of Home Affairs ( MHA), Annual Report , Government of India, New Delhi. 7. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Annual Report , Government of India, New Delhi. 8. Parliament of India Rajya Sabha (2002), Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee On Home Affairs, (2017) 203 Report Border Security: Capacity Building and Institutions Government of India, pp PTI, Terror outfits used children in Kashmir during clashes with security forces: UN report 28 June Singh, Jaspal (2017), Managing International Borders of India Strategic Stability Through Balance and Coherence KW Publishers, New Delhi. Web Reference The research journal of social sciences November 2018 volume 9 number 11