Kathmandu/Dhanusha/Rupandehi: In response to rising regional tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor, Nepal’s Armed Police Force (APF) has significantly heightened its vigilance along the Nepal-India border, particularly across sensitive districts such as Dhanusha, Rupandehi, and Saptari.
The move follows India’s precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, including one Nepali national.
Key Developments:
Joint Patrolling and Real-Time Coordination
- The APF, in close coordination with India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), has initiated 24/7 joint border patrolling.
- Patrol teams are now moving between Border Outposts (BOPs) continuously, checking identities and questioning all cross-border movements.
- Information sharing between the two forces has been intensified to prevent potential spillovers of the India-Pakistan conflict.
Enhanced Local Security Protocols
- Krishna Dhakal, DIG of Chhinnamasta Armed Guard, confirmed stricter checks on individuals crossing the border, ensuring thorough interrogation and documentation.
- The APF headquarters in Kathmandu has directed all regional posts to adopt area-specific security strategies with help from local police and intelligence agencies.
- Authorities are conducting surveillance, inspections, and intelligence-gathering operations in border towns and nearby urban centres.
District-Level Response:
- Dhanusha (Khatinu Border):
- DSP Pramod Raya confirmed intensified scrutiny of newcomers and individuals with suspicious behaviour.
- Locals reported disruptions to daily life and border market activity.
- Rupandehi (Belhiya, Lumbini, Bhagwanpur):
- Increased APF deployment and use of canines for security checks.
- Locals noted increased police visibility and intermittent border trade slowdowns.
Balancing Security with Local Livelihoods
While prioritising national security, the APF emphasized efforts to preserve traditional cross-border movement, vital for communities with strong economic and cultural ties. Authorities aim to strike a balance between national vigilance and civilian ease.
DSP Raya noted:
“We are alert as the border area is sensitive, even though the tension between India and Pakistan has no direct impact on our country.”
Background: Operation Sindoor
India’s Operation Sindoor, executed on May 7, targeted nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and PoJK. It marked India’s deepest incursion into Pakistani territory since 1971, drawing global attention and raising regional security stakes.
Conclusion:
Nepal’s swift security escalation underscores its strategic awareness and regional cooperation with India, especially in volatile times. As tension simmers across the subcontinent, border nations like Nepal are proactively working to ensure stability, safety, and sovereign integrity.