Daily Current Affairs : 10-October-2023
In a significant development, the Ministry of Home Affairs has announced plans to deploy an advanced smart fencing system covering 100 km along the Indo-Myanmar Border. This initiative aims to bolster the existing surveillance infrastructure, ensuring a more secure border region between India and Myanmar.
Understanding Smart Fencing
Smart fencing, a cutting-edge technology, involves the deployment of laser-activated fences and technologically enhanced barriers to fill vulnerable gaps along international frontiers. This innovative approach integrates various surveillance, communication, and data storage devices. Notable components of smart fencing include:
- Sensors like thermal imagers, underground sensors, fiber optic sensors, radar, and sonar.
- Mounting these sensors on diverse platforms such as aerostats, towers, and poles.
India’s First Smart Fence Pilot Project
India’s foray into smart fencing began with the launch of the country’s maiden smart fence pilot project under the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS). This project initially covered two 5-km patches along the India-Pakistan border, showcasing the effectiveness of this advanced security solution.
The Urgency for Smart Fencing
The implementation of a smart fence holds immense significance due to several pressing reasons:
- Ensuring round-the-clock surveillance in all weather conditions, including dust storms, fog, and rain.
- Addressing the challenge posed by unfenced borders and unregulated migration from Myanmar.
- Curbing the activities of various insurgent groups, particularly in Manipur, where ethnic violence has been fueled by cross-border movements.
Background on Manipur and Insurgent Activities
Manipuri society has been deeply affected by the activities of insurgent groups such as Meitei, Naga, Kuki, Zomi, and Hmar. Intelligence reports have highlighted the presence of these groups in Myanmar, from where they frequently cross the border, exacerbating the situation in Manipur. To mitigate these challenges, the Indian government, in collaboration with the Manipur government, entered into a Cessation of Operation (CoO) Agreement with the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) group in December 2022.
Free Movement Regime and its Challenges
India shares a 1,643 km long border with Myanmar, passing through Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. The Free Movement Regime (FMR), introduced in 2018 under the Act East policy, allows tribes residing within 16 km on either side of the border to travel without a visa. While this policy aimed to boost local trade and business, it has faced criticism for unintended consequences:
- Facilitating illegal immigration.
- Enabling drug trafficking and gun running, raising serious security concerns.
Important Points:
- Smart Fencing Overview:
- Advanced smart fencing system planned for 100 km along Indo-Myanmar Border.
- Utilizes laser-activated fences and technology-enabled barriers.
- Integration of various surveillance devices like thermal imagers, underground sensors, fiber optic sensors, radar, and sonar.
- Sensors mounted on platforms such as aerostats, towers, and poles.
- India’s First Smart Fence Project:
- Pilot project launched under the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS).
- Initiated in two 5-km patches along the India-Pakistan border.
- Need for Smart Fencing:
- Ensures round-the-clock surveillance in all weather conditions.
- Addresses challenges posed by unfenced borders and unregulated migration from Myanmar.
- Curbs activities of insurgent groups, especially in Manipur.
- Background on Manipur and Insurgent Activities:
- Presence of insurgent groups like Meitei, Naga, Kuki, Zomi, and Hmar.
- Intelligence reports highlight cross-border movements from Myanmar, aggravating situations in Manipur.
- Cessation of Operation (CoO) Agreement with Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) group in December 2022.
- Free Movement Regime (FMR) Challenges:
- Implemented in 2018 under the Act East policy.
- Allows tribes within 16 km on either side of the border to travel without a visa.
- Criticized for unintentionally aiding illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and gun running.
Why In News
The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced plans to enhance border security by implementing an advanced smart fencing system covering a stretch of 100 km along the Indo-Myanmar Border. This initiative aims to bolster the existing surveillance system, ensuring more effective monitoring and safeguarding the region’s integrity against potential threats.
MCQs about Securing Borders: India’s Smart Fencing Initiative
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What technology is NOT mentioned as a component of the smart fencing system ?
A) Radar
B) Satellite
C) Thermal Imager
D) Sonar
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Why has the Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar faced criticism?
A) Encouraging economic cooperation
B) Facilitating illegal activities like drug trafficking
C) Promoting cross-cultural understanding
D) Enhancing diplomatic ties
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Which Indian state shares its border with Myanmar and is particularly affected by the activities of insurgent groups?
A) Rajasthan
B) Maharashtra
C) Manipur
D) Gujarat
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