Punjab’s strategic location with reference to International Border
The state of Punjab has approximately 553 kms.of international borders with Pakistan, comprising the districts of Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tara Taran and Firozepur. The border district of Firozepur touches Pakistan border on the north, Faridkot and Moga districts at the east and Muktsar district at south sides. On the north- east, Satluj river separates it from Kapurthala district and on the south-west, Ganganagar district of Rajasthan touches it. The total geographical area of the district is 5303 sq. kms out of which 3258.78 sq.. kms fall under Bet area and 196.63 sq. kms fall under border area. The topography of the district is even. It is plain of alluvial formation. The district is divided into three main belts running somewhat parallel to the course of Satluj river. The bet area of the district is called “Hithar“ having alluvial dark and gray clay. On the south east side, Rohi and Mukhi plains have light and sandy soil and brackish water. The district has chestnut brown and desert soil.
Importance of Punjab
- This location and proximity to a perpetually hostile neighbour gives rise to various problems and well as opportunities. Historically, Punjab was regarded as a gateway to India and thus bore the brunt of many invasions from the north-western side. In the recent past Punjab has been a witness to hostilities from its international neighbour i.e. Pakistan in 1965 as well as in 1971. The roots of 1980’s era of terrorism can also be traced back to Pakistan.
- The development and agriculture of border areas of Punjab has suffered due to heavy deployment of forces along the international border.
- Socially, the traditional familial linkages among both Punjabs (Eastern & Western) have been broken due to partition and escalation of hostilities.
Security challenges in Punjab
- Indian security agencies have, in recent months, seen increased activity along the International Border (IB) in Punjab, with the delivery of drugs and ammunition both increasing – and the use of drones to make such deliveries possible across the border. Punjab Police has also arrested several Khalistan terror groups’ over-ground workers, who have been conspiring.
The Delhi Police Special Cell, on 27 June 2020, busted a module of the Khalistan Liberation Front (KLF), by arresting three ‘hardcore supporters of the Khalistan movement’ who were planning to execute targeted killings in several states of Northern India.
On the KLF radar were several activists, politicians and religious leaders, particularly from Punjab. During the interrogation of the three accused and further investigation, it was revealed that they were in contact with Pakistan ISI-sponsored Khalistan leader Gopal Singh Chawla, and leaders of the banned Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), based in Pakistan and the US respectively.
- Unwholesome linkages between the drug barons and arms dealers comprise yet another cause for concern. The enormous funds generated by drug sales are being increasingly used to finance purchase of sophisticated weaponry by terrorist groups in South Asia. South Asia is abutted by two of the largest drug producing areas on its western and eastern flanks. The growth of narcotics trade has been exponential in Pakistan, with the presence of a reported 1.5 to 2 billion heroin addicts. Infiltration of drug money into the Pakistan economy and political system is now well documented. There are also growing reports of significant penetration by the narcotics network in Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies and military intelligence. The widespread Kalashnikov culture in Pakistan is a function of the mutually supportive phenomenon of drugs and weapons. Vast quantities of these arms have found their way to Punjab.
- With the Kartarpur corridor, the revival of Khalistani terror in Punjab is once again a real threat. Days before the opening of the corridor, Pakistan’s official video to mark the ceremony featured pictures of three Khalistani separatists, including Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
The corridor, which opens Saturday, will connect Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab with the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib (also known as Kartarpur Sahib) in Kartarpur, Pakistan. The long-awaited project will finally fulfil the dream of millions of Sikh devotees in India.
Yet, it would be naïve to brush aside concerns regarding the corridor’s safety and security, and its potential to be misused by the Islamabad-Rawalpindi regime.
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