Border Integrity Ensures National Security

Much more has been written about 'border security' than about 'border integrity', which emphasises not only the duties and responsibilities of the government but also those of the citizens of the nation.  A border is simply the boundary lines stretching from one point to another on a map of a country. These seemingly simple lines carry profound significance in terms of sovereignty, territorial existence, and the dignity of the nation. 

Border integrity closely looks like the common understanding of border security, which offers a broader perspective on safeguarding a country's established boundaries - whether they are on land, in water or in the air- against encroachment, alteration or violation by internal or external elements. Border security emphasises the need to ensure the existing boundaries are intact in both geographical accuracy and legal validity. 

Territorial security

Border integrity encompasses three key aspects - territorial security, legal and diplomatic recognition, and emotional attachment. The first two elements are tangible, whereas the third pertains to the intangible realm of human sensitivity and fervency, driven by patriotism and nationalism. The government plays a vital role in keeping the above two elements unbroken through its several line agencies, such as the Ministry of Home Affairs Ministry of Defense, the Nepal Army, the Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, the National Investigation Department, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and others. 

 As far as the emotional attachment is concerned, it is deeply rooted in the minds and hearts of all people. They are obliged to carry a strong sense of conviction that 'this is their motherland and it is their solemn duty to safeguard the national borders by every possible means'. With these three pillars of border integrity, modern and smart border security can be governed in an integrated and cohesive manner, uniting all stakeholders under clearly defined responsibilities and duties assigned by the law, precedent and wisdom. Due to the valour, sacrifice and unyielding spirit of our forebears, the current border was etched into existence. 

Whether it is the Sugauli Treaty of 1816, the restoration of Western Tarai in 1860, or the delineation of boundaries with China, our ancestors safeguarded the sovereignty of the motherland with their astute diplomatic wisdom, defeating the annexationist forces.  Borders are more than what we see on land and water. They are the physical quintessence of Nepal's history, sacrifices and identity. Innumerable patriots have laid down their lives to protect the sovereignty of Nepal, and countless hopes and aspirations have been erected upon the bedrock of their sacrifice.  

The protection of legal and historical boundaries is not merely an element of law and politics; rather, it is a sacred trust and a profound legacy passed from one generation to the next. Our forefathers' uncompromising struggles have illuminated a sacred path of discipline, patriotism and unshakable courage in protecting and promoting national sovereignty so that our children's future remains safe, dignified and secure. It is not simply a matter of diplomatic negotiation; it is a subject of devotion and love for the native land. It is a sacred trust affirming that border integrity carries moral and ethical value beyond mere theoretical definitions. 

The enduring legacy of sacrifice, preservation of national identity and security guarantee are the very reasons why border matters across generations. Border integrity has a character of multidimensional obligation that demands dynamic diplomacy, community engagement and sustainable economic development. Empirical evidence demonstrates that economically sound communities in border areas are meaningfully less vulnerable to external influence and infiltration - a proven model underscoring the importance of integrating economic development with community engagement and awareness. 

The local inhabitants in border regions have served as the first line of defence by protecting border pillars and resisting encroachment.  It is not because they were educated or trained in territorial defence, whether in cases of border pillar tampering or land intrusion from the other side, but because of their unyielding commitment to their livelihood and a profound emotional attachment to their motherland.

National legacy  

The nation's enduring legacy of safeguarding the border integrity hinges on empowering its citizens through educating them about historical boundaries and their significance. Every citizen must be well-versed in the formative history of the nation, particularly how Nepal was unified by Prithvi Narayan Shah, who conquered the Baise and Chaubise Rajyas (states) to create a unified nation. Unlike some European countries, Nepal emerged as a state-nation rather than a nation-state following its unification - a transformative milestone in its national evolution. Another important aspect in cultivating a deep sense of belongingness across diverse communities is the strategic promotion of patriotism through media, educational curricula, training programmes and cultural activities, which remain notably underemphasised. 

Equally vital is the maintenance of historical archives, including official records, treaties, maps and other key documents. These archives, as irrefutable evidence of clearly defined borders, play a pivotal role in resolving territorial disputes with authority and legitimacy.  Nepal's relevant authorities must exercise greater sensitivity and strategic foresight in the documentation of historical and critical records with the highest level of confidentiality to prevent unauthorised access. A recurring concern in this particular matter is the tendency of officials to prematurely disclose sensitive information before accomplishing their tasks. It underscores a pressing need to talk less and work more to achieve national objectives. 

(The author is a former government secretary. gpkusum@gmail.com.)