How does illegal transborder migration pose a threat to India's security? Discuss the strategies to curb this, bringing out the factors which give impetus to such migration.

Threats Posed by Illegal Transborder Migration

Illegal migration poses a multi-dimensional threat to India’s security:

• Internal Security: Infiltration can lead to demographic changes in sensitive border areas, potentially altering the socio-political landscape and fueling local tensions. The presence of undocumented migrants can also strain law enforcement resources and create opportunities for criminal activities.
• Economic Security: Influx of cheap labor can depress wages and displace local workers, leading to economic hardship and social unrest. It also puts a strain on public resources like healthcare and education.
• Exploitation & Radicalization: Vulnerable migrants are susceptible to exploitation by human traffickers, criminal gangs, and extremist organizations. This can lead to radicalization and the potential for terrorist activities. The porous Indo-Bangladesh border is particularly vulnerable to this.
• Spread of Diseases: Unscreened migrants can carry infectious diseases, posing a public health risk.
• Border Disputes & Cross-Border Crime: Increased migration can exacerbate existing border disputes and facilitate cross-border crime, including smuggling of arms, drugs, and counterfeit currency.

Factors Impetus to Illegal Transborder Migration

Several factors contribute to illegal transborder migration towards India:

• Economic Disparity: Significant wage gaps between India and neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal drive economic migration.
• Political Instability & Persecution: Political unrest, ethnic conflicts, and religious persecution in countries like Myanmar (Rohingya crisis) and Bangladesh force people to seek refuge in India.
• Natural Disasters: Floods, cyclones, and other natural disasters displace populations, leading to migration.
• Porous Borders: India shares long and often porous borders with several countries, making it difficult to effectively monitor and control migration.
• Lack of Documentation: Many migrants lack proper documentation, making them vulnerable to exploitation and hindering their integration into society.

Strategies to Curb Illegal Transborder Migration

A multi-pronged strategy is required to effectively curb illegal transborder migration:

• Border Management: Strengthening border infrastructure, including fencing, surveillance technology (drones, sensors), and increased patrolling. The Border Area Development Programme (BADP) needs to be effectively implemented.
• International Cooperation: Bilateral agreements with neighboring countries to address the root causes of migration, facilitate safe and orderly migration, and enhance border cooperation. The India-Bangladesh border management agreement is a key example.
• Identification & Deportation: Establishing a robust system for identifying and deporting illegal migrants, while ensuring due process and respecting human rights.
• Addressing Root Causes: Investing in development assistance to neighboring countries to address economic disparities and political instability.
• Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness among vulnerable populations about the risks of illegal migration and the dangers of human trafficking.
• Strengthening Law Enforcement: Enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies to combat human trafficking and cross-border crime.
• National Register of Citizens (NRC): While controversial, the NRC exercise in Assam aimed to identify illegal immigrants. Its implementation and legal challenges require careful consideration.

Strategy	Implementation Agency	Challenges
Border Fencing	BSF	Difficult terrain, cost, environmental concerns
Bilateral Agreements	MEA, MHA	Political sensitivities, lack of trust
Deportation	MHA, State Police	Human rights concerns, legal challenges