HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY AND TOPOGRAPHY OF THE BORDER & COASTAL

AREAS

Period : Two

Type : Lecture

Conduct : ANO/CTO

Training Aids

1. Computer, Slides, Projector, Charts, Pointer, Black Board and Chalk

Time Plan

2. This Lec will be conducted in the following three parts:-

(a) Introduction - 05 Mins

(b) Part I- Types of Borders - 30 Mins

(c) Part II- Historical Borders - 25 Mins

(d) Part III- Geography and Topography - 18 Mins

(e) Conclusion - 02 Mins

Introduction

3. A nation acquires its identity through its geographical borders as we observe it

through a political map of that country. Similarly all the people residing within a
geographical border are identified as citizens of that country. Our study of history tells
us that these borders are not permanent in nature and has been changing over a
period of time. World War I and II took place because Germany wanted to rule the
world and wanted to expand its borders. On the other hand when disintegration of
erstwhile USSR took place, several small countries with their own geographical
borders emerged. India too shares its borders with Pakistan and China with ongoing
disputes and differences and past hostilities. In this background it is important to learn
about our own borders, its history, geography and topography.

PART I -Types of Borders

4. Geographical Borders.

(a) Land Borders. India shares borders with land borders

with Afghanistan,China, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan in the north or north-west,
and Bangladesh and Myanmar in the east. We will learn about them one by
one.
 2

(i) Afghanistan. Located in Central Asia, Afghanistan shares 106

kms border with India, which presently exiss in POK.

(ii) Bangladesh. India and Bangladesh share one of the longest

borders in the world and it covers a length of 4,156 km and has a
coastline of 580 km. The Bangladesh states of Rajshahi, Dhaka,
Chittagong, Khulna, Rangpur and Sylhet, share their borders with India.

(iii) Bhutan. The Bhutan–India border is an international border

which is 699 km long, and along the Indian states of Assam (267 km),
Arunachal Pradesh (217 km), West Bengal (183 km), and Sikkim (32
km).
(iv) China. The world’s most populous country is spread over an
area of about 95,96,960 sq km. Indo-China Border of 3,488 km runs
along the Himalayan mountain range, at altitudes ranging from 9,000 ft
to 18,700 ft in the Western, Middle and Eastern sectors of the Indo-China
Border.
(v) Myanmar. Myanmar is located to the south and east of the
states of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh in North-
East India. The Indo-Burmese border stretches over 1,643 kilometers.
In addition to the long land border, India and Myanmar also share a
maritime border along India's Andaman Islands.
(vi) Nepal. The India–Nepal border is an open international border
running between India and Nepal. The 1,751 km long border includes
the Himalayan territories as well as Indo-Gangetic Plain. The current
border was delimited after the Sugauly treaty of 1816 between Nepal
and the British India.
(vii) Pakistan. Indo-Pakistan Border (3,323 Km) runs along the
states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Union Territories of Jammu &
Kashmir and Ladakh.
(b) Maritime Borders. India has 12-nautical-mile territorial maritime zone
and 200-nautical-mile (370 km; 230 mi) exclusive economic zone (EEZ) along
its coastal region. It has more than 7,000 Km maritime border shared with
seven nations, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Sri
Lanka, Maldives and Pakistan.

(c) Aerial Borders. Aerial borders cannot be physically demarcated. It

is an imaginary line contiguous and vertically above in space to a country’s land
and maritime borders. During peacetime, the neighbouring countries have
agreement and allow passenger and cargo air flights into each other’s air
space. During peacetime, they do not permit movement of military aircraft and
if such infringement takes place, it is termed as ‘Air violation”.
 3

5. Based on Demarcation.

(a) Demarcated. When there is agreement and understanding

between two countries, a geographical survey is carried out and the border is
clearly identified on ground with no dispute between the parties. Such borders
are internationally recognised and usually marked by placing boundary pillars
at regular intervals. These boundary pillars are serially numbered for their exact
location and identification.

(b) Un-demarcated. Boarders which are either not clearly defined or

accepted by political leadership of two sovereign nations can be termed as un-
demarcated boarders. These un-demarcated borders are usually the reason
for conflict or dispute between the nations because of the varying perception
and claim lines. India shares such borders with Pakistan and China which will
be covered in later chapters.

PART II - Historical Borders

6. Pre- Independence.

(a) Greater India. Greater India, is an area composed of many countries

and regions in South and Southeast Asia that were historically influenced by
Indian culture and languages. The term Greater India is used to encompass the
historical and geographic extent of all political entities of the Indian
subcontinent, and the regions which are culturally linked to India or received
significant Indian cultural influence. These countries have been transformed to
varying degrees by the acceptance and adoption of cultural and institutional
elements of India. Map depicting the same is given below.

(b) Invaders and Expeditionary Forces. India has always been a single
nation since prehistoric times as Bharatavarsha or Aryabhoomi. Indian history
tells us that our country was ravaged by a spate of foreign invaders who came
from the North-west. Porus, Changez Khan, Mohammad Bin Qaseem and
Mahmud Ghazni are the prominent raiders about whom we have already
studied in school.
 4

(c) Mughal Dynasty. Mughal dynasty of Turkic-Mongol origin ruled most

of northern India from the early 16th to the mid-18th century. The
Mughal dynasty was notable for its more than two centuries of rule over much
of India. The boarders of India during their rule are given below in map.

(d) British Rule. The British came under the garb of East India Company
and established the rule by the British Crown on the Indian subcontinent from
1858 to 1947. The region under British control was commonly called India and
included areas directly administered by the United Kingdom. You are all aware
of the history of freedom struggle which finally culminated into a new country
being born on 15 Aug 1947 with its name as India. Map depicting boarders
during the British Colonial Rule is given below.

History of Coastal Areas

7. In ancient India, coastal India spans from the south west Indian coastline along
the Arabian sea from the coastline of the Gulf of Kutch in its westernmost corner and
stretches across the Gulf of Khambhat, and through the Salsette Island of Mumbai
along the Konkan. And southwards across the Raigad region and through Kanara
and further down through Mangalore and along the Malabar through Cape Comorin in
 5

the southernmost region of South India with coastline along the Indian Ocean and
through the Coromandal Coast or Cholamandalam. The coastline on the South
Eastern part of the Indian Subcontinent along the Bay of Bengal through the
UtkalaKalinga region extends until the easternmost Corner of shoreline near the
Sunderbans in Coastal East India.

8. People Along Coastal India. The people along coastal India exhibit vast
diversity along an underlying commonality as a result of its coastal topography and
sea trade between west AsianMediterranean traders along its west coastline.
The region includes Gujaratis in the westernmost region, Kannadigas, Tuluvas,
Goans and Maharashtrians along the Konkan coast or the western coastline, Malayalis
in its southernmost region of South India, the Tamilians along southern
Cholamandalam coast, the Telugus and Oriya people along the South eastern coast
through UtkalaKalinga region along the Coromandal coast, and the Bengali people
along the easternmost coastline along the Bay of Bengal.
9. Thriving Sea Trade And Intermingling. A Thriving trade existed
between the Mediterranean world and Coastal Indian regions. This led to significant
intermingling between the people of Coastal India and the west Asian world,
particularly along the South West Indian Coastline along the Arabian Sea. Several
west Asian communities have also settled and become part of the diversity of coastal
south west India.
10. Heritage. The linguistic diversity of Coastal India includes languages of the
Dravidian language family including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Tulu and Kannada;
languages belonging to the western zone of Indo Iranian language families including
Gujarati, Marathi, Konkani, languages belonging to the central zone of the Indo-Iranian
language families including Urdu and Persian and languages belonging to the eastern
zone of Indo Iranian language family including Oriya and Bengali.

Post-Independence History

11. Unification of Princely States and Jammu and Kashmir. The predominant
usage of the term princely state specifically refers to a semi-sovereign principality on
the Indian subcontinent during the British Raj that was not directly governed by the
British, but rather by a local ruler, subject to a form of indirect rule on some matters.
At the time of the British withdrawal, 565 princely states were officially recognized in
the Indian subcontinent, apart from thousands of zamindari estates and jagirs. In
1947, princely states, which covered 40% of the area of pre-independence India and
constituted 23% of its population were merged with India. Some of the important states
which joined the sovereignty of Indian Union are Nizams of
Hyderabad, Mysore and Travancore in the South, Indore in Central India and Jammu
and Kashmir and Sikkim in the Himalayas.
12. Various Wars the country has fought to protect Its Borders.

(a) Indo-Pak War of 1947 – 48. The First Kashmir War of 1947 – 48 was
a result of the territorial claims of India and Pakistan over Jammu & Kashmir.
As per the Indian Independence Act of 1947 – any Princely State that was
formerly a part of the British Raj had complete choice of being independent or
 6

join any of the Dominions of either India or Pakistan. Maharaja Hari Singh, a
Hindu ruler of the Dogra dynasty, chose to remain independent and away from
India and Pakistan until Pakistan aggressively entered his territory in a bid to
capture it. Unable to retaliate, he sought the help of India. The then Prime
Minister made it clear that Indian troops would fight the war only if Kashmir is
declared an Indian territory. The Maharaja made his choice that he would join
India on October 2, 1948, so that his people will be saved. A “Document of
Accession” was signed on that day and Jammu & Kashmir was officially
transferred to India. This was followed by Indian troops landing in Kashmir
leading to Sino Indo Pak War 1947-48.

(b) The Sino – Indian War of 1962. The Sino-Indian war 1962: took place
from 20 October to 21 November, 1962. This border, called the Mac Mohan
Line, was demarcated by Britain and Tibet at the Simla Convention held from
1913 to 1914 between Britain (represented by Sir Henry McMahon), China, and
Tibet. China has not acknowledged the McMahon Line on the grounds that the
Chinese Kuomintang government, which was China’s government at the time,
did not sign the treaty.
(c) The Indo – Pak War of 1965. This war lasted from 08 April to 23
September 1965. It was a continuation of on-going dispute over the territories
of Jammu and Kashmir and culminated into the signing of the “Tashkant
Agreement” between the two countries.

(d) The Indo – Pak War of 1971. This war lasted from 03 December to
16 December 1971. Also known as the Liberation War of Bangladesh. On 16
December 1971 a “Document of Surrender” was signed by Pakistan and 93,000
Pakistan soldiers were taken as Prisoners of War.
(e) Kargil War of 1999. Pakistan Army occupied winter vacated
Indian posts in the high altitude area of Kargil. Indian Army launched “Operation
Vijay” as a response to the Pakistan’s Operation. Pakistan denied that its army
was involved in the operation. On 26 July 1999 – Kargil conflict officially comes
to an end and the entire territory was recaptured.

13. Insurgency and terrorism sponsored by neighbouring countries to

destabilise the Border Areas. Insurgency and terrorism are a very low cost option
of a country to destablise other nation and which can be extended over a long period
of time. The method employed is to exploit the grievances of the people from border
areas and provide them with financial support and weapons to force the other
countries to divert its Armed Forces from the Border to Internal Securities Duties. The
best examples of this are in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir and in the North-Eastern
States sponsored by our neighbours with hostile intent.
 7

PART III - Geography and Topography of Border Areas

14. Desert Terrain/ Riverine Terrain/ Plains. The international border of

India and Pakistan is a mix of all type of terrain. It partially has dessert, riverine, plains
and mountainous terrain. Each type of terrain pose a different type of threat and
requires different means of surveillance. Thus forces designated to guard these have
to prepare for various type of challenges and warfare as per terrain. Desserts are vast
and open. There is lack of water, tree cover or vegetation extreme temperatures in
day and night. As a result the population density is low with very few towns and
villages. There is lack of roads and vehicles cannot move on loose sand. Similarly the
plains of Punjab and Jammu region have a number of rivers and nallahs where
movement of troops guarding the borders is difficult. These terrain impose a challenge
of effectively patrolling the border areas and increases the risk of illegal activities
across the border.

15. Mountainous Terrain. Mountainous terrain as the name suggest has

mountains of varying heights, which in case of India range from 9,000 ft to about
20,000 ft. The terrain in mountains is rugged & inhospitable and weather is inclement.
It poses a challenge for construction, development of means of transportation &
communication. Difficulty in holding ground, surveillance, logistics and requirement of
special clothing and equipment further aggravates the complexity. India shares
mountainous border with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar.

16. Snow Clad and Glaciated Terrain. Snow clad mountains are areas in
Greater Himalayas which experiences snowfall and has snow cover for several
months in the year. Such mountains are found in UT of J&K, Ladakh and state of
Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, The Siachen
Glacier is located in the Eastern Karakoram range of the Himalayas and has
permanent snow cover throughout the year. The Siachen Glacier is located in the UT
of Ladakh. It is also known as the highest battlefield in the world.
17. Jungle Terrain. Such a terrain has serious challenges in construction of
means of transportation and communication, and as a result, the border area remains
sparsely populated with limited economic development. Absence of roads,
communication links and other border guarding infrastructure also adversely affect
border management as they hamper the easy and rapid movement of the border
guarding forces along the border. Such terrain denies the advantage of aerial
surveillance. Densely forested areas are difficult to inhabit for the state and have an
overall decreased police and military presence.

18. Geography Of Coastal India. Coastal geography is the study of the

constantly changing region between the ocean and the land, incorporating both the
physical geography (i.e. coastal geomorphology, geology and oceanography) and the
human geography (sociology and history) of the coast. It includes understanding
coastal weathering processes, particularly wave action, sediment movement and
weather, and the ways in which humans interact with the coast. India has a coastline
of 7516-6 km which touches Nine Indian states and Two Union Territories
 8

Coastal States of India

19. India has a coastline of 7516.6 km in which 5422.6 km of mainland coastline

and 1197 km of Indian islands. Indian coastline touches nine states namely Gujarat,
Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West
Bengal and two union territories-- Daman and Diu and Puducherry. The two island
territories of India are Andaman and Nicobar Islands in Bay of Bengal and
Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea.
20. The Coastal State of India are as follows:-

Sr. No Name of the State Coastal Length

(a). Gujarath 1,600km
(b) Maharastra 720km
(c) Goa 160km
(d) Karnataka 320km
(e) Kerala 580km
(f) Tamil Nadu 1076km
(g) Andhra Pradesh 974km
(h) Odisha 485km
(j) West Bengal 157km

21. Peninsular India is bounded by water on 3 sides: the Arabian Sea in the west,
the Bay of Bengal in the East and the Indian Ocean in the South. The coastal belt
comprises of a wide range of ecosystems extending from sandy beaches and
mangroves to coral reefs and rocky shores. Certain facts for remembering are as
follows:

(a) Seventh longest in the world.

(b) 1/5 of the population live along the coast.

(c) Gujarat has the longest coastline.

(d) Three of our metropolitan cities are on the coast.

 9

Conclusion.

22. Today we have studied about what does the land and coastal border signify to
our country and its people. We have briefly touched upon a brief history of the country
when our borders were highly contested, wars were fought and foreign invasion took
place to control the rich resources of our country. What border we have today has
been achieved by prolonged fight for independence and its sanctity is still being
challenged by evil design of our neighbours. As proud citizens of our country we must
know about our borders and the various challenges that we face to protect its sanctity.
 10

SECURITY CHALLENGES AND ROLE OF NCC CADETS IN BORDER

MANAGEMENT

Period - Two

Type - Lecture

Conduct – ANO/ CTO

Training Aids

1. Computer Slides, Projector, White Board, Easel, Marker and Duster.

Time Plan

2. This lecture will be conducted in the following parts: -

(a) Introduction - 04 Min.

(b) Aim & Scope - 02 Min.

(c) Part I - Security Challenges of Border Areas - 18 Min.

(d) Part II - Security challenges of Coastal Areas - 18 Min

(e) Part III - Security challenges of Air Force Taluks - 16 Min

(f) Part IV - Role of NCC cadets - 18 Min

(e) Conclusion - 04 Min.

Introduction

3. India has different types of land borders (14,8181 KM) viz IB/LC/AGPL/LAC
and peculiarity of Sir Creek alongwith a large coastal line inclusive of main land
(starting from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra
Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal) and islands (Andaman & Nicobar and
Lakshadweep Island). The country shares borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal,
Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh.
4. Historical culture flow on either side of the border hence claims and counter
claims by neighbouring countries as such disputed areas. The terrain and ethnicity
throw a lot of challenges which need to be addressed as part of border management.
5. People living in border and coastal areas are the most important ingredient
towards secure and safe border and coastal region hence they are the center of gravity
of effective border management. NCC cadets being the son of the soil can play
contributory role towards meaningful border management.
 11

Aim

6. To highlight the Security challenges & role of NCC cadets in security

management of Border Areas/Coastal Areas and Air Force Taluks.
Scope

7. The lesson will be covered in following parts:-

(a) Part I. Security challenges of border Areas.

(b) Part II. Security challenges of Coastal Areas.

(c) Part III. Security challenges of Air Force Taluks.

(b) Part IV. Role of NCC cadets.

Part I : Security Challenges of Border Areas

8. India’s borders present a geographical diversity of unique kind which have far
reaching security ramifications. Much of its borders are topographically difficult, remote
and have peculiar challenges. These are enumerated below :-
(a) Porus, undemarcated stretches and easily negotiable.

(b) Due to terrain constraints and lack of approachability it remains unguarded

at many places.
(c) Border regions have their own ethnic, cultural, religious and racial
configurations distinct from the main land and in some areas depicting an
unmistakable affinity with those of across the borders.
(d) The remoteness of local administration and its low visibility.

(e) Illegal immigration.

(f) Smuggling of arms, ammunition and narcotics substances.

(g) Lack of access to public amenities and harsh living conditions.

(h) Frequent shelling from across the border.

(j) Concrete efforts by hostile neighbours through allurements, subversion

and promotion of religious fundamentalism to generate a feeling of alienation
among the border population.
(k) Vulnerability to actions of border criminals.
 12

(l) Lack of means of communication, education, medical, water etc due to

remoteness.
(m) Illegal immigration due to better living condition (Push and pull factor).

(n) Safe haven for terrorists, undergrounds/ insurgents- they have their
operating bases/launch pads.
(o) During conflict – air violation, infiltration by small teams, patrols or
irregulars.
(p) Dropping drugs/war like stores by Drones/pushing by animals.

Part II : Security Challenges of Coastal Areas

9. India has a coastline of 7516.6 km bordering the mainland and the islands in
Bay of Bengal in the East, the Indian Ocean on the South and the Arabian Sea on
the West. India faces a number of threats and challenges along the coastal areas that
originate from the sea and which are mainly sub-conventional in nature. These threats
and challenges can be categorised under five broad categories which are enunciated
in succeeding paragraphs.
10. Maritime Terrorism. The maritime terrorism features as the most potent
threat to our country. Maritime terrorism is defined as ‘the undertaking of terrorist acts
and activities within the maritime environment, using or against vessels or fixed
platforms at sea or in port, or against any one of their passengers or personnel, against
coastal facilities or settlements, including tourist resorts, port areas and port towns or
cities’. Thus, major population centres, onshore and offshore strategic installations,
commercial facilities, industrial complexes located along the coast as well as coastal
waterways can be identified as high value targets for terrorist attacks. Sea based
terrorism is not a new phenomenon.
11. Piracy And Armed Robbery. Piracy is defined as any illegal acts of violence
or detention, or any act of depredation, committed for private ends by the crew or the
passengers of a private ship or a private aircraft, and directed: from the high seas,
against another ship or aircraft, or against persons or property on board such ship or
aircraft; b. against a ship, aircraft, persons or property in a place outside the jurisdiction
of any State.
12. Smuggling And Trafficking. While the entire coast of the country is
vulnerable to clandestine landings of contraband, the Gujarat-Maharashtra coastline,
the Tamil Nadu coast, the Sunderbans in West Bengal, and the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands have been particularly prone to such activities. Geographical location, peculiar
terrain, and close trans-border ethnic ties have made these stretches conducive for
smuggling and trafficking.
13. Infiltration, Illegal Migration and the Refugee Influx. India’s land
boundaries have always been porous to infiltration by terrorists/militants and large
scale illegal migration. These large scale influxes over the decades have resulted in
widespread political turmoil in the Border States. To prevent infiltration and large scale
illegal migration, the Indian government implemented widespread security measures,
included maintaining strict vigil along the borders, the erection of fences, and the
 13

thorough checking of immigrants. The elaborate security arrangements on land forced

the terrorists and illegal migrants to look towards the sea where security measures are
comparatively lax, enabling them to ‘move, hide and strike’ with relative ease.
14. Straying of Fishermen beyond the Maritime Boundary. The frequent
straying of fishermen into neighboring country waters has not only jeopardised the
safety of the fishermen but has also raised national security concerns.
(a) Fishermen who trespass into a neighbor country’s waters are invariably
arrested along with their boats.

(b) On many occasions, they have also been fired upon by security agencies
of the neighbouring country.

(c) The issue is not of an unsettled maritime boundary but the refusal of
Indian fishermen to recognize the maritime boundary between India and Sri
Lanka, especially in the Palk Bay.

(d) The straying of Indian fishermen into Bangladeshi waters happens

mainly in the Sunderbans area. The difficult terrain and the absence of the
Global Positioning System (GPS) in the fishing trawlers make it difficult for the
fishermen to ascertain maritime limits.

Part III : Security Challenges of Air Force Taluks

15. The War Time threat to an Air Force Station is the most destructive of all
situations. The danger and threat to the Air Force station is due to direct enemy action
after war had been declared. The threat is from enemy aircraft, land attack by enemy
Infantry, Artillery, missiles, and drones. The war between two countries results in all
military resources engaged in combat. The most sought-after target during such
attacks will be the aircraft and other weapon systems or the runway so that aircraft
cannot take off at all for some time.

16. The Peace time threats are those which are not directly undertaken by an
enemy country. Some of these threats are not aimed at destruction of assets directly
but are still dangerous. Some of the threats that an Air Force Station faces during
peace time both conventional and unconventional enunciated below:-

(a) Terrorism. As a nation, we have suffered at the hands of enemy

sponsored terrorists. Several attempts have been made in the past and we
lost lives during attack on Air Force Station at Pathankot. This is a serious
threat. Such attacks cannot be carried out without preparation which
includes familiarity with routes and areas. Terrorists may have had supporters
living in the local area.
 14

(b) Cyber war. The destructive use of the cyber space by various methods
is a serious threat to functioning of an AF Stn.

(c) Psychological War. This is used to lower the moral of the Human
resource in an organization by spreading false information etc.

(d) Criminal activity. Theft of assets, wires, willful destruction of property

by criminals who have no regards for the Nation is always a threat. This can
also be deliberate action. In case agents of the enemy are groomed to
mix in local population , any such activity will not appear to be anti national.
Use of drones for recreational or spying purposes endanger the assets of an
Air Force Station.

(e) Information leakage. A well informed adversary is always well

prepared. Classified information of sensitive nature can give away the
preparedness levels, the training status, the fitness of equipment, weapon
status, aircraft availability, spare parts number of personnel and the war plan of
the stn and the units which are in it.

(f) Sabotage. To deliberately destroy, damage, or obstruct for political or

military benefit. Insiders can be influenced to cause deliberate damage to
aircraft etc.

(g) Local situations/civic responsibility/administration response/ civil

unrest. Public apathy is another cause of aircraft accidents around Airfields.
Poor garbage disposal, abattoirs etc attract birds which can cause loss of crores
of rs and lives. Frequent unrest in an area also affects the resource
availability and manpower movement to and from the Air Force Stn by road.
Areas which are volatile due to local political or some other mindsets are
often troublesome.

(i) Illegal construction, encroachment of Air Force land. The illegal

constructions and encroachments are a major causes of concern. Irresponsible
kite flying has damaged slow moving aircraft quite often; the safety of any flying
environment is directly affected by these activities.

(j) Illegal Migration. Illegal immigrants who are deliberately planted in

the areas around Air Force Stations.

17. The biggest two threats therefore remain Terrorists (who either influenced by
some misplaced ideology or controlled by an enemy state) or local population
(including infiltrated illegal immigrants) who by sheer apathy or greed play into the
hands of the enemy.

Part IV : Role of NCC Cadets

 15

18. The enrolment of students from border & coastal districts and Air Force Taluks
in NCC will help in mitigating the present drawbacks in Border/Coastal Area
Management system and also build a healthy relationship between Border Guarding
Forces/ Maritime Forces/ Air Force personnel, the local population and the
administration. Enrolment of youth in NCC will change their outlook and they can take
up leadership roles in their localities and villages and can facilitate implementation of
govt policies. They can also serve as a link between BGF, administration and the
population. As per Para 10 of the NCC Act - No person subject to this Act shall by
virtue of being a member of the Corps be liable for active military service, but
subject there to any such person shall be liable to perform such duties and
discharge such obligations as may be prescribed. Within the parameters of this
clause various tasks that may be assigned to NCC are enumerated in succeeding
paragraphs.

19. Role of NCC Cadets in Border Area Management. The NCC cadets
enrolled in the Border Districts can perform the following tasks.
(a) Border Area Awareness Campaign NCC cadets can be utilized to
conduct Border area security awareness campaigns demonstrating
Government foot print through NCC training activities like rallies and public
engagement programs.
(b) Border Area security and Intelligence tasks. Cadets can be utilized
in enforcing the various security and intelligence gaps in the border areas. They
can be part of village Defence Committee (VDC). They can act as eyes & ears
against anti-social activities/ anti-national elements if any. They can share local
intelligence with the Border Guarding Forces.

(c) Disaster Management. NCC cadets can be employed for disaster

management assistance tasks like first aid, crowd management distribution of
food and medicines. Evacuation of villagers during Artillery shelling along
villages along Line of Control and during other war like situations.

(d) Social Service and Community Development. Social Service

and Community Development activities can be undertaken by NCC cadets by
adopting local villages and assisting in Border Area Development Programmes
(BADP). They can spread awareness about various Government schemes and
new initiatives.

20. Role of NCC Cadets in Coastal Area Management. The role of NCC Cadets
in Coastal security Management Task is elaborated in succeeding paragraphs: -
(a) Coastal Security Awareness Campaign NCC cadets can be
utilized to conduct coastal security awareness campaigns, rallies and public
engagement programs towards coastal security in all coastal villages &
fisherman villages which will beneficial to the public in general along the coast
line of country.
(c) Coastal Security. Cadets can be utilized in enforcing the various
security measures gaps in the coastal areas. They can be mobilized for
 16

conducting frequent rallies/ camps and impart education to local population in

the coastal areas regarding various imminent security threats in the coastal
areas and various safety measures to be taken from time to time.
(b) Disaster Management. NCC cadets can be employed for disaster
management assistance tasks like first aid, crowd management distribution of
food and medicines.
(d) Awareness on Coastal Ecology. Cadets can also be deployed in
coastal villages to bring awareness in local populace about the coastal ecology
and make them aware of the measures or steps that can be taken to sustain
the ecology and maintain the flora and fauna of the area.
(e) Social Service and Community Development. Social Service
and Community Development activities can be undertaken by NCCcadets with
the aim to imbibe the qualities of selfless service in the community, Nation
building, dignity of labour, swatch Bharat campaign, cleanliness, importance of
self-help, protection of environment and to assist in uplifting weaker sections of
the society. Spreading awareness and implementation of various Govt run
schemes for uplifting the fishermen community e.g., Pradhan Mantri Matsya
Vikas Yogna.

20. Role of NCC Cadets in Air Force Taluks. The role of NCC Cadets in Air
Force Taluks is elaborated in succeeding paragraphs: -

(a) Information and Education. Cadets can be assigned regular roles in

creating awareness about the safety precautions the area as a responsible
society need to inculcate to prevent loss of National Assets. These will be based
on the requirements of garbage disposal in such manner that bird activity is
reduced. Regular drives in teaching school children about risk to aircrafts and
humans due to kite flying/ drone flying etc. NCC cadets can conduct Regular
Foot policing and awareness activities in areas around the Air Force Station.

(b) Air Force Taluks intelligence tasks. NCC cadets can observe
sudden changes in lifestyles of some locals. Change in ideology, anti-national
sentiments, sudden increase in wealth, spending habits, procurements of new
assets with apparently lesser means of income. Cadets can also report
discreetly in case they see some new residents who are seemingly out of place.
This can be shared with the local IAF liaison designate. NCC cadets will not be
required to further investigate etc.

(c) Awareness against encroachment and illegal migration. With more

Cadets and ex cadets in a local environment, it is expected that encroachment
of Air Force land and illegal construction around the perimeter will reduce or
stop. Their presence will also deter the illegal migrants in settling down near Air
Force Stations.
(b) Disaster Management. NCC cadets can be employed for disaster
management assistance tasks like first aid, crowd management distribution of
food and medicines.
 17

Conclusion
14. Enrolment of youth in NCC from border/ coastal areas/Air Force Taluks will
definitely help in better management of these areas. It will prove to be a vital link
between the population, security forces and administration. NCC cadets will serve as
a force multiplier in security management of these areas. Once the local population
along the bordering areas is integrated in the mainstream, a certain amount of moral
responsibility would automatically come in. The realistic community participation in
India’s border management can be achieved only thereafter.
 18

SECURITY SET UP AND MANAGEMENT OF BORDER & COASTAL AREAS

INCLUDING AIR FORCE STATIONS

Period - Two

Type - Lecture

Conduct – ANO/ CTO

Training Aids

1. Computer Slides, Projector, White Board, Easel, Marker and Duster.

Time Plan

2. This lecture will be conducted in the following three parts:-

(a) Introduction - 05 Min.

(b) Part I – Security Set up & management of Land Borders - 35 Min.

(c) Part II - Security Set up & management of Coastal Areas - 25 Min.

(d) Part III - Security Set up & management of Air Force Stations - 15 Min.

Introduction

3. India shares its borders with a Number of countries and almost every type of
extreme geography is present at different borders viz. deserts, fertile lands,
swampy marshes or tropical evergreen jungles. India shares its border with
Bangladesh (4,096.7 km), China (3,488 km), Pakistan (3,323 km), Nepal (1,751
km), Myanmar (1,643 km), Bhutan (699 km) and Afghanistan (106 km). It has
15,106.7 kms of land borders and a coast line of 7,516.6 kms. All states except
Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Telangana and Haryana have an
international border or a coast line. 106 districts of India’s 593 districts are border
districts in 17 states.

4. Coastal security, a major subset of an all-encompassing subject of maritime

security, has been on the centre stage, post terror attack on Mumbai on 26 Nov 08.
India, being a maritime state, has numerous interests in the maritime zones and
safeguarding these interests, has thrown up fresh challenges in the fast-deteriorating
security environment. The use of sea route by terrorists for attack at Mumbai has
highlighted the vulnerability of our coastline and the lacunae in our existing security
mechanism.
5. Security and Management of Border including maritime and Air Force
Stations becomes more important for the fact that India shares its borders with
nations such as Pakistan and China with which we still have boundary dispute
and have also fought major wars in the past. Additionally, in some countries there
is cultural radicalism, terrorism and mafia groups that are patronized by some of
 19

India’s neighbouring states. There is cross border smuggling problem of drugs,

cattle, humans trafficking, fake currency, illegal migrants etc.

Part I – Security Set up & management of Land Borders

6. Different Types of Borders Given the difference in the status of the IB, LC,
AGPL, LAC etc there is a slight difference in the management of these lines.

(a) IB. International Border (IB) is the line that neighbouring countries
and the rest of the world recognises. These are well demarcated and mutually
acceptable boundary between two countries. The most common way of
demarcation is to place Border Pillars which are generally numbered and
placed at regular intervals.
(b) LC. The term Line of Control (LC or LoC) refers to the military control
line between the Indian and Pakistani controlled parts of the former princely
state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a line which at International level does not
constitute a legally recognized international boundary. Originally known as
the Cease-fire Line, it was re-designated as the "Line of Control" following the
Shimla Agreement signed on 3 July 1972. The part of the former princely state
that is under Indian control is now known as the UT of Jammu and Kashmir and
UT of Ladakh. The Pakistan-controlled part is divided into Azad Kashmir and
Gilgit- Baltistan. The LoC is approximately 740 Kms long.

(c) AGPL. The Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) is the line that divides
current positions of Indian and Pakistani troops in the Siachen Glacier region.
The line extends from the northernmost point of the LC (Line of Control) i.e.
Point NJ 9842 running northwards to Indira Col. AGPL is approximately 110
kilometres long. Siachen Glacier is also known as the highest battle filed of the
world.

(d) LAC. Mac Mohan Line was a broad line drawn on a map India ratified
in the Shimla Agreement (Oct 1913 to Jul 1914) by the independent State of
Tibet and Great Britain to demarcated boundary between Tibet and NE Region.
Consequently, Arunachal Pradesh State (which is administered by India) and
Aksai Chin (administered by China) have become disputed areas. Post
annexation of Tibet by China, she started reneging on the Mac Mohan Line and
her stand has remained ambiguous ever since, thus creating many areas of
disagreement and disputes. After years of negotiations India and China have
adopted a new term called Line of Actual Control (LAC) which is now a broad
demarcation line that separates Indian territory from Chinese controlled
territory of Tibet. There have been a military conflict in 1962 between the two
countries and later many border skirmishes due to the unresolved boundary
dispute over LAC. These include Sino-Indian War of 1962, the Cho La incident
in 1967, the 1987 Sino-Indian skirmish, the 2017 Doklam stand-off along Sino-
Bhutan Border and the 2020 Galwan Valley Scuffle. The LAC is approximately
3488 kilometres long.

7. Different Types of Border Management Force. Border management

involves facilitating the legitimate cross-border flow of people and trade while
 20

concurrently preventing the entry of persons or goods that pose a threat to the
country or its population. In 2001 post Kargil War, Kargil Review Committee
followed by the GoM had strongly recommended the principle of “One Border One
Force” for better accountability.

8. One Border One Force and Concept. The concept is based on the principal
of making one type of force responsible for guarding particular border stretch, ensuring
that the force once deputed not to be used for law and order duties and counter
insurgencies, thus increasing its accountability and response. Accordingly at present
various parts of our borders are being manned and managed by the following forces:-

(a) Pak - IB Sect - BSF.

- LC & AGPL – Army / Combined.

(b) China (Eastern, Middle Sect, Western Sect) - ITBP.

(c) Nepal & Bhutan - SSB.

(d) Bangladesh - BSF.

(e) Myanmar - Assam Rifles.

9. Other Agencies.

(a) Customs.

(b) Local Police.

(c) Intelligence Officers from IB.

(d) Civil Administration.

(e) Youth Organisations such as NCC, Scouts, NSS etc.

Border Management

10. Creation of Department of Border Management. Department of Border

Management was created in the Ministry of Home Affairs in January, 2004 to pay
focused attention to the issues relating to management of international land and
coastal borders, strengthening of border policing & guarding, creation of infrastructure
like roads, fencing & floodlighting of borders and implementation of Border Area
Development Programme (BADP).
11. BADP. Department of Border Management under Ministry of Home
Affairs has been implementing a Border Area Development Programme (BADP)
through the State Governments. It aims to meet the special developmental needs of
the people living in remote and inaccessible areas situated near the international
border. Priority is given to those villages which are located within 0-10 Km from the
International Border and within that the villages identified by the Border Guarding
Forces (BGF) get higher priority and are known as strategic villages. Only after
 21

saturation of 0-10 km villages, State Governments may take up the next set of villages
within the 0-20 Km distance.

12. Physical Means of Securing Borders. Various means of securing the

Borders are:-

(a) BOPs. To house border guarding personnel, to send regular patrols

and to interact with the nearby villages, border out posts (BOP) have been set
up all along the borders. Presently, the India-Pakistan border has 609 BOPs,
Indo-Nepal border 436 BOPs, Indo-Bhutan border 127 BOPs and the
Bangladesh border 802 BOPs. Ideal inter BOP distance is recommended to be
2.5 km.
(b) COBs. Along the Indo-Myanmar Border, Assam Rifles are
deployed in Company Operating Bases (COB) and not as per the BOP system.
The companies are deployed on all routes of ingress/egress and are
responsible to check infiltration, smuggling of arms, ammunition, drugs, fake
currency notes, etc.

(c) Integrated Check Posts (ICP). As part of efforts to improve the

infrastructure at border checkpoints, India is developing Integrated Check-
Posts (ICPs). An ICP is likely to house all regulatory agencies, such as
immigration, customs and border security. It will be a post along two
international borders which will facilitate cross border trade and movement of
people more efficiently and smoothly.

(d) Day and Ni Patrolling – On Foot/ Vehicle Mounted Patrols.

(e) Use of Electro-optical Surveillance Devices.

(f) Fencing and Floodlighting.

(g) Flag Meetings. A flag meeting is basically a meeting that is held at the
border or on the Line of Control or LAC by commanders on both sides, to
resolve local issues. A flag meeting could be held at the local or higher level on
smaller issues. These meeting are held at regular pre-arranged intervals or
there can be a special flag meeting.

Part II – Security Set up & management of Coastal Areas

13. Coastal security Organisation. The Coastal security Organisation of

the country was revamped in year 2009, post Mumbai terror attack. Various initiatives
were put in place by Government of India (GoI), both at central and state level to
ensure a vibrant coastal security organisation in order to ensure full proof security
setup, A national committee on strengthening maritime and coastal security
(NCSMCS) headed by cabinet secretary was created at GoI level. Similarly, an APEX
committee on coastal security at state levels was formulated, controlled by FOC-in-Cs
 22

of all Naval commands also known as C-in-C Coastal Defence (towards coastal
security) with chief secretary of all states.
14. Various Stake Holders in Coastal Security. The sphere of activities in the
maritime environment is vast and the following agencies are the stake holders in
Coastal security of country: -
(a) Indian Navy.
(b) Coast Guard.
(c) State Marine Police.
(d) Customs.
(e) Fishers.
(f) Port authorities.
(g) Central and state Government departments.
15. This multiagency environment requires co-operation, and understanding of
each other’s strengths as well as limitations, to ensure fool proof security by optimum
exploitation of limited resources.
16. Role of Various Agencies towards coastal Security. The role of
various agencies involved in coastal security is enunciated below: -
(a) Indian Navy. The Indian Navy is responsible for overall Coastal
Defence of the Nation. The FOC-in-Cs of all commands are also designated as
C-in-C Coastal Defence for coastal security of country coastline depending
upon their Area of Operation (AOR).
(b). Indian Coast Guard. Indian Coast Guard is responsible for
Coastal Security in territorial waters including areas to be patrolled by Coastal
Police. ICG has been made responsible for coordination between Central and
State Agencies in all matters relating to Coastal Security
(c). Coastal Marine police. The State marine police is also called coastal
security group (CSG) headed by ADGP rank officer from police. ICG provides
necessary training and administrative and supportive to marine police on
regular basis. Marine police maintains a vigil on the beaches, fishing hamlets
and in inland waters along the coast of India.
(d). Regional Coastal Security Ops Centre (RCSOC). RCSOC
are set up at Ops centers of Regional Headquarters of ICG . All inputs related
to coastal security operations are analyzed at these centers for coordination
amongst all agencies involved in coastal security within territorial waters.
(e) Joint operations Centre (JOC). Joint Operation Centers(JOC)
are set up at Headquarters of all Naval Commands. The JOC is jointly manned
and operated by Navy and Coast Guard. It mainly co-ordinates coastal security
network with all stake holders.
17. Operational Philosophy. The Maritime agencies ensure security of
maritime assets in Indian EEZ with special focus to ODAs (Offshore Development
Assets) and maritime boundary areas with our maritime neighbours. The vulnerable
 23

areas & points which include ODA, IMBL (international Maritime Boarder Line),
industrial hubs, tourist centers, atomic installations, Defence setup, creek areas and
island territories are considered critical areas to guard, demanding concentration of
efforts of the security agencies.
18. Tiered Security Mechanism-Zones of Responsibility. For coastal
security purpose, following a three tiered security mechanism for coastal surveillance:-
(a) Base line up to 12 NM. To be patrolled by Coastal Marine Police,
Customs, CISF and other security agencies available for coastal security.
(b) Base line up to 200 NM. To be patrolled by Indian Coast Guard
including the area for Coastal Marine Police, Customs and CISF.
(c) Beyond 200 NM. To be patrolled by Indian Navy.

19. Coastal Surveillance. Coastal surveillance is undertaken both through

surface units and air assets of Navy and Coast Guard on regular basis. Regular
coastal security exercises like ‘Sea Vigil’, ‘Trident’,‘Neptune’ etc., are conducted by
Navy and Coast Guard involving all stake holders on regular basis.
20. Coastal Surveillance Network. The Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN)
has been established at 46 sites along the Coast of India including Island territories to
monitor areas of high sensitivity and high traffic density. The coastal surveillance
network in the form of Radars, Electro Optic Sensors (EOS), Remote VHF and
Meteorology Equipment has been established on Light houses along the Mainland.

Part III – Security Set up & management of Air Force Stations

21. Components of Air Force Stations. For understanding the security set up
at an Air Force Station, let us take an example of a typical Air Force Station and the
type of units that are present in a base with aircrafts. An Air Force Station with a
runway will have one or more squadrons of aircraft (Fighter/ Transport/ Helicopter/
UAVs), it will have a fuel storage depot, weapon storage area, signals/communication
units, engineering units, logistics depot, armoury for small arms, weapon systems for
base defense, radars and other squadrons and units involved in daily support. All
bases are manned and operated by humans making them equally important targets.
 24

22. Security of the Air Force Station is the overall responsibility of the Chief
Administrative Officer (CAdmO).

AOC / STN CDR

FLYING
COO C ADMO C ENG O
SQUADRO
N
ATC ET ACCOUNT EDUCATIO SIGNAL ARMAMENT
S N
FLIGHT
NAV CATERING SECURITY LOGISTICS MT
SAFETY

WORKS MEDICAL MCC REFUELLING

G
ADM TECH SQN

23. He is assisted by the Station Security Officer who has a dedicated team of
airmen under him for ensuring the proper functioning of the security setup. The
airmen belong to two different trades under Group Y (Non-Technical) namely Indian
Air Force (Police) {IAF(P)} and Indian Air Force (Security) {IAF(S)}.

24. There is also an element of the Defence Security Corps (DSC) posted to the
station to assist in the security. The strength of the DSC depends upon the size of
the station, the assets located there and the importance of the station in the overall
Air Force setup. The personnel of the DSC are retired Army soldiers who are
reemployed in this organization.

25. In addition to the above, some stations also have an element of the elite IAF
Garud Commando Special Forces.

26. The outer perimeter wall is guarded by the DSC personnel. Dedicated security
watchtowers are built at vantage points for the guards to keep a lookout for intruders.
Important places and installations inside the Air Force Station are guarded by IAF
personnel (airmen) during the night hours. Garud commandos regularly conduct night
or day patrols outside the perimeter wall. The IAF(P) carries out a check of all the
guard posts at odd hours of the night to ensure that all guards are alert and doing
their duty.

27. All personnel (officers, airmen or civilians) entering the station are checked
thoroughly at the main gate for their identity. Civilians are issued with daily passes
after noting down their details and nature of work during entry. The passes are
collected back during the exit. Thus, a record of people entering and leaving the
station is maintained.

28. The Station Security Officer maintains a close coordination with the local police
of the area and the village sarpanches. Regular meetings are held to exchange
valuable information regarding the threats to the station and movement of unknown
suspicious people.