Ladakh 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.

Border Management refers to the putting in place of measures to ensure territorial sovereignty & prevent trespassing of foreign nefarious elements in the country. With a land border of 15,000 km+, border management is of prime importance for India.

An underdeveloped border population leads to the following threats:

1. May play supporting role in exchange for monetary benefits. Eg. Drugs in Punjab.
2. Disenchantment with government → may join militant secessionist groups. Eg. North-East
3. Act as informants for smugglers, traffickers.
4. Hostile neighbours may try to attract them through economic might. Eg. Chinese 5G in Arunachal Pradesh border.
5. Illiteracy & lack of awareness → makes them target of misinformation & radicalisation. Eg. Kashmiri Youth crossing border.

In light of this, forging developmental partnerships with locals becomes important. Various initiatives such as the creation of DONER, Vibrant Village Program, Border Haats, Border infrastructure creation & setting up of Army Hospitals and Schools in border regions are a step in the right direction. Valuable lessons can be drawn from the USA-Mexico Border Development model as well.