Sanjiv Krishan Sood

The borders of India with Pakistan and Bangladesh are dynamic places. The Border Security Force (BSF), the largest border guarding force of the world, is entrusted with the responsibility of guarding borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. Thus, the force has a vital role in ensuring security and integrity of nation.

Policymakers over 53 years ago had conceived of a force capable of guarding borders during peace and assist the army as first line of defence during hostilities because of inability of disparate state armed forces to stand up to even minor threats from Pakistan forces and lack of uniformity in dealing with counterpart.

Operational philosophy, organisation and training of the force was, therefore, militaristic and the force had acquitted extremely well during the 1971 war. The force is now standing at a crossroads and faces myriad of issues which need urgent attention of planners.

The security environment, both internal and external prevailing now, is vastly different from 1965. Proxy war by Pakistan has kept our western borders troubled, requiring aggressive border guarding infrastructure and border management practices.

Bangladesh border grapples with threat of different kind with armed cattle smugglers attacking BSF soldiers when intercepted. Heavy population density, lack of development and employment opportunities makes these borders highly crime prone. The BSF is, thus, faced with policy dilemma of averting use of force to conform to national objective of maintaining good relations with Bangladesh and ensuring safety and security of soldiers while preventing crime.

The comprehensive border management plan signed between the DG BSF and DG Bangladesh Border Guards in 2011 is a step in the direction to reduce violence along border with Bangladesh. However, the directive clamping down totally on use of firearms by troops is impractical and problematic. This has emboldened the cattle smugglers and other border criminals. Secure in knowledge of the directive they do not hesitate in attacking the troops deployed in small groups for patrolling. This is manifested in the increased injuries to troops. The commanders on spot must, therefore, be delegated with adequate autonomy for decision making in operational situations.

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Construction of a fence at a distance of 150 yards from borders in conformity with border guidelines has resulted in a defensive mindset and the area ahead of fence mostly remains unpatrolled. This mindset needs to change and Indian sovereignty asserted through regular patrolling. This will go a long way in inculcating a sense of confidence amongst villagers and farmers staying (in the East and North East) and working across the fence. This will also prevent criminals from coming close to fence to commit crimes.

Change in security environment and emphasis on comprehensive border management rather than