Regarding the eastern border, the official mentioned that the free movement regime (FMR) along the India-Myanmar border would soon be discontinued to prevent the influx of illegal migrants. The FMR allows visa-free travel for tribes residing on both sides of the India-Myanmar border, up to a distance of 16 km inside the neighboring country. However, due to the involvement of FMR in facilitating illegal immigration, trafficking of narcotics, and ethnic violence in Manipur, the government is planning to make visas mandatory for Myanmar nationals entering through the land border, as part of a reevaluation.
The infiltration of arms, ammunition, and narcotics from Pakistan into Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir through the use of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has been a significant challenge for security agencies in recent years.
According to BSF DG Nitin Agrawal, the force has recovered a total of 90 drones between November 1, 2022, and October 31, 2023. Out of these, 81 were found in Punjab, while nine were recovered in Rajasthan.
BSF sources have reported an increase in drone sightings, ranging from 300 to 400 in the past year. However, with enhanced surveillance through handheld static and vehicle-mounted anti-drone systems, smugglers transporting drug consignments from Pakistan are facing difficulties in evading the BSF. As a result, they have been forced to modify their tactics, such as using alternative routes in Rajasthan due to increased surveillance in Punjab. However, their attempts were foiled after an intelligence leak led to the seizure of four drug consignments in Rajasthan.
In recent times, smugglers have been employing smaller drones with lighter payloads, typically around 750 grams. Most of these drones are of Chinese make, as they are easily accessible and more affordable compared to those from Turkey or Iran.
