Permeable Int'l Borders, Socio-Economic Factors Led To NE's Fragile Security Scenario: MHA

GUWAHATI: In a sensational revelation, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India in its annual report for 2020-21 has stated that more than 60% of India's international borders in the Northeastern side is permeable. Notably, Northeast India shares its borders with four countries, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar.

The MHA mentioned in its annual report that besides the permeability factor in the borders, some internal socio-economic factors have together led to 'fragile security situation' in the Northeast.

Moreover, the Home Ministry attributed the fragile security situation to be a major factor for violence and extortion activities prevalent in the region along with the multitude of demands raised by many insurgent groups operating here but having their camps in the neighbouring countries.

The MHA in its report particularly highlighted the situation along India's border with Bangladesh and the challenges posed by the porosity.

"The Indo-Bangladesh border is marked by a high degree of porosity and the checking of illegal cross border activities and illegal migration from Bangladesh to India have been major challenges," said the high-profile report.

Over 20% of the international border with Bangladesh shared by three NE states – Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram remain without a fencing. Notably, India shares a 1800 kilometres long border with the neighbouring country.

With the sanctioning of a new design fence, the MHA report said that the existing work of fencing along Indo-Bangladesh border is all set to be complete by March, 2024.

If the 699-kilometre-long border with neighbouring Bhutan is considered, it too remains unfenced till today. Of the total 699 kilometres, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam alone shares 516 kilometres with the neighbouring country, with the rest passing by West Bengal and Sikkim.

The report also mentioned the fact that heavy deployment of central armed police forces (CAPFs) for guarding the international borders has led to a significant improvement in NE's security scenario. It added that this measure has ultimately led to partial withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act or AFSPA from the states in the region.

As per directives from the Centre, 400 companies of CAPFs were engaged for guarding the international borders, while additionally another 400 companies remain deployed for the maintenance of internal insurgency and internal security challenges.

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