Community Participation in Border Management: Challenges and Options

The border guarding forces have to evolve ways and means to mainstream the local population in the management of the border areas. [...] The Rule-15 of the Border Security Force (BSF) Rules also envisages that; one of the important role of India's largest BGF is 'to promote a 6 sense of security amongst the people living in border area'. [...] Steps for Improving the Community Relations Ability of BGF Personnel7 The following are some of the steps that can be initiated: · Review Field Procedures: Many of the regulation and practices that apply to the forces distances them from the common man. [...] · Training to Develop a Community Oriented Force: The role of the BGF in the borders areas is such that there is bound to be a difference of opinion between the citizens and the forces. [...] The general feeling amongst the local population and the local government is that, the Central force personnel are unaware of the sentiments of the local people.