By Priyashree Andley
The recent news of the Chinese armys intrusion into Arunachal Pradesh and Indo-Pak ceasefire violations on the Line of Control in August 2013 indicates the uncertain security situation in South Asia. The ongoing disputes across borders are a clear example of how borders are the cause of constant violence, military conflicts and lack of development. What kind of boundary will resolve these differences and assure national sovereignty? We have to keep in mind that terms like terrorists and failed states are often used for political ends both to divert attention from the actual sources of particular conflicts and to justify military and legal innovations.
Experts and scholars have made several recommendations to encourage cooperation within South Asia. These include encouraging free movement of people by easing visa regimes and building a well-knit South Asian economy by opening transit facilities, encouraging the role of the private sector, joint agricultural research, encouraging free trade zones in border areas like Jammu and Kashmir and Northeast India, and involving South Asian diaspora in development process. However, to bring all parties involved in national border disputes is a challenging task for the ruling governments today. Can the security scenario, political stability and political will be taken into account along with the sensitivities of other parties involved in the conflict?
The beneficiaries of this uncertain scenario are the non state actors, militants and insurgents who take advantage of this lack of cooperation between states. Those severely affected are the common people on these borderlands. For example, for India its bilateral ties differ with all neighbours in South Asia. However, if India developed good relations with them, could it be huge contribution to stabilizing interrelated security issues in South East and Central Asia? Chinas domestic economic situation, growing restlessness among minorities and societal discontent are vulnerabilities that can constrain its leaders to make significant changes in its foreign policy. Currently, SAARC is the vehicle for developing cooperative ties in South Asia but given the political discrepancies between intra-state parties in each member country, there are limitations to problem solving today.
The role of development cannot be sidelined by the government in the areas affected by extremism and terrorism. Lack of economic growth often leads to violence. Building roads, railways and telecom infrastructure are significant signs of development. However, this infrastructure has been attacked causing hindrance to all development. Simultaneous attacks on the symbols of governance are another cause of concern.
What can be done today to resolve border disputes and not just politicise them for political gains? First, the political leadership across borders needs to cooperate and become stronger to tackle the situation in the affected areas. Second, the people who are suffering at the cost of lack of development need to be assured that steps are being taken to ensure their security and growth. This can prevent actors like the Naxals who have mobilised civilians to imbibe their ideology to strengthen their hold in the region. It has also allowed civilian organizations like the People’s Democratic Front who support this movement in India. Third, there should be improved coordination between central and state authorities to control the situation. Finally, a proper analysis of the increasing threat is very important given that a vast majority enter the movement because they have no other choice. The nature of these interconnected border disputes need to be well understood before we plan the approach to deal with them. Today, we need to understand that participation should involve initiatives to widen access to and control of resources, institutions and information among those who are affected by disputes, to not only include those excluded and give them the feel that they are not just passive recipients, of development processes. Respect for human rights cannot be ignored by the state and governments in power. This can lead to a more holistic approach to tackling disputes today along with ensuring development and transformation in society.
Priyashree Andley: An independent analyst and focuses on International Relations, Foreign Policy and Current Affairs. She has several years of experience working in both the public and private sector. Her research has taken her across India with publications appearing in national as well as international media. Priyashree is a Felix Scholar from SOAS, London and has degrees from JNU and St. Stephens College, Delhi.