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Fences, Mobility, and Citizenship at the Northeast India-Bangladesh Border: A Long History of Division and Displacement

Benjamin Stone

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Published in Jungle Passports: Fences Mobility And Citizenship At The Northeast India Bangladesh Border (The Ethnography Of Political Violence)

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The India-Bangladesh border was first established in 1947, when India gained independence from British rule. At the time, the border was relatively porous, and people and goods moved freely across it. However, in the decades that followed, relations between India and Bangladesh deteriorated, and the border became increasingly militarized. In 1965, India began construction of a barbed wire fence along the border, and in 1971, Bangladesh built a similar fence on its side of the border.

The fences initially had little impact on the movement of people and goods across the border. However, in the 1980s, India began to intensify its border security measures. The barbed wire fence was replaced with a more sophisticated fence made of steel mesh, and the number of border guards was increased. These measures made it much more difficult for people to cross the border illegally, and led to a significant reduction in the movement of goods.

The fences have also had a significant impact on the lives of those living in the border communities. Many people have been displaced from their homes as a result of the fences, and others have lost their livelihoods. The fences have also made it difficult for people to access basic services such as healthcare and education.

Jungle Passports: Fences, Mobility, and Citizenship at the Northeast India-Bangladesh Border (The Ethnography of Political Violence)

by Malini Sur

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The fences at the India-Bangladesh border have had a profound impact on the mobility and citizenship of those living in the region. For many people, the fences have made it impossible to cross the border legally. This has led to a situation where many people are living in a state of limbo, unable to access basic services or to participate in the economic and social life of either country.

The fences have also created a sense of division and mistrust between the two countries. Many people in Bangladesh believe that the fences are a symbol of India's desire to control and dominate the region. This has led to resentment and anger, and has made it difficult for the two countries to develop a cooperative relationship.

The fences at the India-Bangladesh border continue to be a source of tension and conflict. The fences have had a devastating impact on the lives of those living in the border communities, and have created a sense of division and mistrust between the two countries.

There are a number of ongoing challenges that need to be addressed in order to improve the situation at the India-Bangladesh border. These challenges include:

Reducing the number of fences: The fences at the India-Bangladesh border are a major barrier to the movement of people and goods. Reducing the number of fences would help to improve mobility and citizenship for those living in the region.
Demilitarizing the border: The border between India and Bangladesh is one of the most heavily militarized in the world. Demilitarizing the border would help to reduce tension and mistrust between the two countries.
Addressing the needs of border communities: The fences at the India-Bangladesh border have had a devastating impact on the lives of those living in the border communities. It is important to address the needs of these communities, and to provide them with access to basic services and economic opportunities.

The India-Bangladesh border is a complex and contested space, with a long history of tension and conflict. The fences at the border have had a profound impact on the lives of those living in the region, and continue to be a source of tension and conflict. There are a number of ongoing challenges that need to be addressed in order to improve the situation at the border, and to create a more just and equitable future for the people of the region.

Jungle Passports: Fences, Mobility, and Citizenship at the Northeast India-Bangladesh Border (The Ethnography of Political Violence)

by Malini Sur

5 out of 5