Special Message

Modern technology, by breaking down time and distance barriers, has reduced the world to a global village. This extraordinary development has had an impact on the concept of border management, which is currently undergoing a fast transformation.

The rise of terrorism is yet another factor, due to which border management no longer remains a simple matter of only policing the borders. It is now, a very complicated and comprehensive task, requiring a co-ordinated and concerted action on the part of the administrative, intelligence, security and regulatory agencies, as well as, by the concerned political leaders. In the present context, it involves defending the border in times of war, securing it in times of peace and ensuring that there is no illegal border-crossing. It requires strong measures against smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics and supplementing human efforts by using sophisticated devices to achieve these objectives. It also includes co-ordination of intelligence inputs being received from various agencies and sources. Ensuring the protection and the socio-economic development of the border population, is yet another significant aspect of the modern requirements of border management.

The level of stringent measures required along a particular border, will of course depend upon prevailing relations amongst concerned political leaders,  economic ties, ethno-cultural linkages between people living on either side of the border and the configuration of the border itself. If the land borders are porous and not demarcated, having habitation and cultivation right up to the zero line, then their management will automatically be more difficult.

For countries threatened by terrorism, border management has become a critical component of their national security strategy. The International Border Security Exhibition - BSEC 2008 - scheduled to be held in India during the later part of the year, is a welcome event in this direction. It is a great opportunity for various border managing agencies to come together for exchange of information regarding their experiences and the problems being confronted by them. It will be a unique occasion when the latest equipment and technology, capable of providing solutions to border problems, will be on view for all possible users.

We extend a hearty welcome and wish that your involvement at BSEC 2008 be a very memorable and gainful one.

 

Ajai Raj Sharma Former Director General, Border Security Force (BSF) and former Police Commissioner, Delhi