Fences, Mobility, And Citizenship At The Northeast India Bangladesh Border

The Northeast India Bangladesh Border: A Complex Tapestry

The Northeast India and Bangladesh border is a unique region where fences, mobility, and citizenship intersect, creating a complex tapestry of cultures, identities, and politics. This border, spanning over 4,000 kilometers, has been a site of historical disputes, migration, and social, economic, and political tensions. To understand the dynamics at play in this region, it is important to analyze the role of fences, mobility, and citizenship.

Fences: Separation or Security?

The presence of fences along the Northeast India Bangladesh border has been a contentious issue. Proponents argue that fences are necessary for national security, preventing infiltration and illegal activities such as smuggling and terrorism. However, critics view these fences as barriers that divide communities, disrupt livelihoods, and impede the natural movement of people across the border.

One of the key concerns surrounding the fences is their impact on indigenous communities who have historical ties on both sides of the border. These communities often face difficulties in accessing their ancestral lands, conducting traditional trade, and maintaining cultural connections due to the physical barrier created by the fences.

Critical Disaster Studies: Fences, Mobility, and Citizenship at the Northeast India-Bangladesh Border (Critical Studies in Risk and Disaster)

by Andy Horowitz(Kindle Edition)

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Mobility: Challenges and Opportunities

Mobility plays a crucial role in the lives of individuals residing along the Northeast India Bangladesh border. The region is home to various ethnic communities, some of whom have transnational identities and engage in cross-border trade, cultural exchange, and family connections. However, the presence of fences restricts the mobility of people, creating challenges and limiting opportunities.

For those who rely on cross-border trade for their livelihoods, the fences pose significant obstacles. Despite various efforts to facilitate trade through designated border checkpoints, the informal trade remains prevalent due to the limited accessibility and strict regulations imposed by the borders. This informal trade, although beneficial in sustaining local economies, presents challenges in terms of tax evasion and security concerns.

Citizenship: Negotiating Identity

The issue of citizenship further complicates the dynamics of the Northeast India Bangladesh border. There are numerous cases of individuals and communities residing in the border region who face challenges in proving or obtaining citizenship due to the complex bureaucratic processes, legal ambiguities, and political considerations.

Statelessness is a significant concern, particularly among those living in the border enclaves, areas that are completely surrounded by the territory of another country. These enclaves, also known as "chitmahals," are home to thousands of individuals who are caught in a legal limbo, lacking access to basic rights and services.

The Way Forward

Addressing the challenges posed by the fences, mobility restrictions, and citizenship issues at the Northeast India Bangladesh border requires a multifaceted approach. It is essential to engage in dialogue and collaboration between the governments of India and Bangladesh, as well as the communities living in the border region.

Efforts should be made to ensure that the fences do not hinder the cultural and economic activities of the indigenous communities. Alternative mechanisms for trade facilitation should be explored to support the formalization of cross-border trade and minimize the reliance on informal channels. Additionally, measures should be taken to address the issues of statelessness and provide avenues for those residing in the border enclaves to obtain citizenship.

The Northeast India Bangladesh border is more than just a physical demarcation between two countries. It is a vibrant and diverse region that deserves attention and efforts to foster inclusive growth, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence.

References:

1. Author Name, "Title of the Research Article," Journal Name, Volume Number, Issue Number, Year.
2. Author Name, "Title of the Book," Publisher, Year.

Critical Disaster Studies: Fences, Mobility, and Citizenship at the Northeast India-Bangladesh Border (Critical Studies in Risk and Disaster)

by Andy Horowitz(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2224 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	274 pages

FREE

This book announces the new, interdisciplinary field of critical disaster studies. Unlike most existing approaches to disaster, critical disaster studies begins with the idea that disasters are not objective facts, but rather are interpretive fictions—and they shape the way people see the world. By questioning the concept of disaster itself, critical disaster studies reveals the stakes of defining people or places as vulnerable, resilient, or at risk.

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