2020 · GS Paper 3 · Q10 · 10 marks
For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception among locals.
In short
Local support to border militants is denied through precise intelligence-led operations, curbs on terror funding, smart fencing and surrender policies. Favourable perception is built by civic action such as Operation Sadbhavana, restraint and accountability under EEVFAM (2016), local recruitment and border-village development.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 275 words
Precise operations
Intelligence-led, targeted action avoids collateral harm to villagers, which only breeds fresh recruits.
Choking funds
The NIA's terror-funding case in Jammu and Kashmir (2017) and UAPA prosecutions targeted hawala channels and over-ground workers.
Sealing the sanctuary
Smart fencing under the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System cuts infiltration routes.
An honourable exit
Surrender and rehabilitation policies with stipends and skills pull cadres away from the gun.
Civic action
The Army's Operation Sadbhavana runs Goodwill Schools and health camps, and Kashmir Super 30 coaches local students for engineering entrance.
Restraint and accountability
In EEVFAM v. Union of India (2016) the Supreme Court barred excessive force even under AFSPA, and AFSPA's partial withdrawal in 2022 signalled trust.
Locals as stakeholders
Recruitment into the Ladakh Scouts, Territorial Army and Village Defence Guards (2022) gives youth a stake in security.
Development and communication
The Vibrant Villages Programme (2023), sports leagues and honest outreach by forces counter militant propaganda that the state is distant.
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This chapter in the exam
Border Areas12 questions
Asked in 9 of 14 sittings since 2013
- 2026Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) by the Central Government and civic actions by the Army. Also discuss demand of promulgation of provision of the Sixth Schedule of constitution for Ladakh. (Answer in 150 words)
- 2025Why is maritime security vital to protect India's sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2020 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.