Mains Focus – 9th April 2025

Question

For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favorable perceptions among locals. [10 Marks, GS Paper 3, 2020]

Answer

Effective border area management is crucial for national security, especially in regions affected by insurgency or cross-border terrorism. Denying local support to militants and building positive perceptions among locals are essential to maintaining sovereignty and peace.

Steps to Deny Local Support to Militants

• Strengthening Intelligence and Surveillance
  • Deploying advanced surveillance systems (drones, sensors) to monitor infiltration.
  • Encouraging community-based intelligence networks.
• Development-Oriented Approach
  • Expanding infrastructure (roads, schools, hospitals) to improve livelihoods.
  • Ensuring employment generation through schemes like MGNREGA, Skill India.
• Counter-Radicalization Initiatives
  • Promoting awareness campaigns on the dangers of extremism.
  • Engaging local religious and community leaders to counter militant narratives.
• Effective Law Enforcement
  • Enhancing training and coordination among border forces (BSF, ITBP).
  • Swift legal action against sympathizers and financial supporters of militants.

Managing Favorable Perceptions Among Locals

• Winning Hearts and Minds
  • Regular interaction between security forces and locals via civic action programs.
  • Organizing medical camps, sports events, and education drives in remote areas.
• Inclusive Governance and Representation
  • Ensuring locals have representation in administrative and development processes.
  • Promoting local leadership in Panchayati Raj institutions.
• Media and Information Campaigns
  • Using local media to highlight development and security efforts.
  • Countering misinformation and foreign propaganda effectively.

Conclusion

A people-centric approach is pivotal in border management. By integrating development, trust-building, and robust security, the government can deny militants local support while fostering a sense of belonging and nationalism among border populations.

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