Treatment of the BSF shows border security is not a priority. This must change
Large number of troops are withdrawn from their primary task of border guarding for other tasks such as elections. Their utilisation for such duties needs rationalisation and should be restricted. Key Points
ThePrintFour, including three Indian nationals, arrested while trying to enter US illegally from Canada
US border Patrol agents arrested the four, including a woman, on 12 March. The men left the woman who became immobile due to an injury and were caught shortly after a foot pursuit. Key Points
ThePrintThe importance of Sela tunnel as tensions rise between India and China
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sela Tunnel, which will provide all-weather connectivity to Tawang bordering China. The project, estimated at Rs 825 crore, faced delays due to various factors, including the Covid-19 pandemic. The foundation for this strategically important tunnel was laid by Modi in February 2019. Key Points
Economic TimesChina warns that increasing Indian troops at border won't ease tensions
China criticizes India's troop addition, stating it doesn't ease tensions. Indian soldiers now safeguard a China-India segment, straining relations. A unified force protects a 532 km border section spanning Tibet, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, amidst the India-China border dispute. Key Points
Economic TimesIndia frees 10,000 more soldiers to guard border with China
India has allocated thousands of soldiers to strengthen its disputed border with China. A 10,000-strong unit will guard a 532 km stretch of the frontier with China. The Indian Army and Ministry of Defense have implemented this unprecedented move following private discussions. Key Points
Economic Times
After Mizoram, Nagaland adopts resolution against suspension of FMR (Free Movement Regime)
NDA-ruled Nagaland becomes the second state to adopt a resolution against the Centre's decision to fence the India-Myanmar border and end the bilateral Free Movement Regime (FMR) between the two countries. The resolution highlights the potential hardships and disruption to the Naga people living on both sides of the border. Key Points
Times Of IndiaFarmers claim Bathinda man killed at Haryana border during protest, police deny
Farmers claimed that a 21-year-old farmer from Bathinda died at Khanauri on the Sangrur-Jind border. However, the police have denied the claim. Key Points
India TodayIndia, China hold fresh round of military talks
India and China have agreed to maintain peace and tranquility in border areas along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh during a recent high-level military talks. However, no clear forward movement was made in resolving the over three-and-a-half-year friction points. The 21st round of the India-China corps commander level meeting was held on February 19, with both sides sharing their perspectives and committing to maintain communication through military and diplomatic mechanisms. Key Points
Economic TimesMizoram NGO Coordination Committee to protest scrapping of 'vital mechanism' FMR & border fencing
Protest organised in Aizawl on 21 February. NGOCC says ending Free Movement Regime, fencing Mizoram-Myanmar border will have detrimental effect on 'vital ethnic & cultural connections'. Key Points
ThePrintDelhi remains under tight security as farmer determined to march
Protesting farmers in Delhi are attempting to march to the national capital, but security remains tight with personnel deployed in large numbers and barricades regulating movement. Traffic movement at Singhu and Tikri borders is suspended, and drones are used to monitor the situation. Multiple layers of barricades, concrete blocks, iron nails, and container walls have been placed at the borders. Key Points
Economic Times
Days after putting in resignation, Governor Banwari Lal Purohit announces tour of Punjab's border areas
A statement from Raj Bhavan said the governor would embark on a ‘significant border visit’ from 20-23 February. This comes after he resigned from the post citing ‘personal reasons’. Key Points
ThePrintIndians risk illegal 'donkey' migration to chase American Dream
The donkey route, a long and roundabout journey designed to dodge border controls, is a common method used by these migrants. The risks and challenges of this journey are significant, but the potential rewards, such as higher wages and improved living conditions, outweigh the dangers for many. Key Points
Economic TimesNecessity or trouble in making? What fencing of borders with Myanmar could mean for India
Modi govt has announced it will fence India’s border with Myanmar. Experts remain divided over the move, with some saying that it can make a dent in ‘Act East Policy’. Key Points
ThePrintAmit Shah announces fencing along Myanmar border, but tribals' support crucial to end free movement
10-km stretch in border town of Moreh has already been fenced & work for another 20 km approved. Govt also plans to use a hybrid surveillance system to keep an eye on work being done. Key Points
ThePrintModi govt to construct fence along 1643-km Indo-Myanmar border: HM Amit Shah
India announces plans to fortify its 1,643-kilometer border with Myanmar, mirroring security measures along the Bangladesh frontier, as revealed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The initiative aims to enhance surveillance and curb unauthorized crossings, with initial fencing efforts underway in Manipur. Additionally, the cessation of the free movement regime with Myanmar signifies a shift in regional dynamics, prompting concerns over potential implications on bilateral relations and local communities amidst escalating conflicts and ethnic tensions. Key Points
Economic Times
Govt should reconsider India-Myanmar border fence. Costs & benefits don’t justify it
Border fencing is perhaps justified for Pakistan and Bangladesh. But on the Myanmar border, where the population is sparse and the threat of terrorism low, the proposal should be revisited. Key Points
ThePrintUS Supreme Court allows agents to cut razor wire installed along Mexico border
Amid Biden govt and Texas standoff, US Supreme Court allows border Patrol agents to cut razor wire along U.S.-Mexico border Key Points
Hindustan TimesMyanmar border will be fenced, says Shah
India will fence its entire border with Myanmar and scrap the free movement regime, according to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The decision comes as the country aims to tackle Maoist extremism and strengthen border security. The move has faced opposition from the Mizoram government, which lacks the authority to prevent it. India and Myanmar share a 1,643km border in four northeastern states, and the free movement regime allows people living in border areas to travel up to 16km without a visa. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan TimesWill protect Myanmar border like that of Bangladesh: Amit Shah
Shah said there has been a huge change in the law and order of the country under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi during the last 10 years. Attacking the Congress, he alleged that people had to pay bribes to get government jobs during its tenure, and maintained that not a single penny has to be paid for employment under the BJP rule. Key Points
Economic TimesIndia to stop free movement with Myanmar, fence entire border, says Amit Shah
The Free Movement Regime allows people living on both sides of border to travel 16 km into each other’s territory without a visa. Four Indian states share a 1,643-km border with Myanmar. Key Points
ThePrint
'Operation Sard Hawa': 15-day alert along Indo-Pak border ahead of Republic Day
The border Security Forces (BSF) has sounded a special 15-day alert along the India-Pakistan border ahead of this year's Republic Day. The alert has been issued in four states, including Jammu and Kashmir. Key Points
India TodayIndia must use dialogue to solve border conflict with China. Military solution not viable
Negotiations must be carried out from a position of strength, with a clear vision of the desired outcomes. For any settlement to succeed, it must be a win-win solution. Key Points
ThePrintRoads to 4G connectivity, how govt pushed to bolster border infra in 2023 with eye on China
Launch of Vibrant Villages Programme in April was major decision to develop areas along remote frontiers. Another important decision was to upgrade cellular network & mobile services. Key Points
ThePrintAntony Blinken to reach Mexico before 15,000 migrants crash US border this week. Mexican President has put
Led by radical migrant rights activist Luis Garcia Villagran, the crowd began its march from the southern Mexican city of Tapachula to the US border on Christmas Eve. They will soon reach the border. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Mexico later this week to discuss the issue of illegal migrants. Key Points
Economic TimesFinland reopens two Russia border crossings with a warning to Moscow
Finland last month shut the Russian border until Dec. 13 to block a rising number of refugees from arriving in the Nordic nation. | World News Key Points
Hindustan Times
Finland to close all but one border crossing with Russia. Here's why
"The government has today decided to close more border posts. Only Raja-Jooseppi station will remain open," Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told a press conference. | World News Key Points
Hindustan TimesChin guerrillas fight Myanmar’s junta for control over border town near India
Ethnic group's fighters have inched forward, occupying junta positions block-by-block close to Indo-Myanmar border. Myanmar refugee killed in crossfire in Zokhawthar, it is learnt. Key Points
ThePrintIndia, Bhutan to expand cross-border linkages
India and Bhutan have decided to strengthen their cross-border ties by expanding bilateral cooperation in various areas. During a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, they discussed enhancing collaboration in trade, technology, cross-border connectivity, mutual investments, education, and people-to-people connections. Key Points
Economic TimesBSF gives detailed account of Pakistan's mortar fire, says ‘retaliated in…’
BSF said at around 9.15 pm on Thursday, Pakistani troops started firing mortars at border outposts and civilian areas. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan Timesborder Collie saves the day by bringing Husky back to pet parent
“OMG! This is so cute. He’s a really good boy,” wrote an individual while reacting to this viral video of a border Collie and Husky. | Trending Key Points
Hindustan Times
Frontier protection: Fencing along Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar borders in final lap
On the 3,323 km Pakistan border, which runs along Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, the report said, Government has sanctioned 2,078.80 km of floodlights, out of which 2,043.76 km has been completed and remaining 35.04 km work is in progress. Key Points
Economic Timesborder Walls: Joe Biden says they don't work, administration bypasses laws to build walls
President Joe Biden says that he does not believe that border walls work, but his administration vows to waive 26 laws to build additional border barriers. Know the truth and the entire story. Key Points
Economic Times