The home ministry has decided to beef up security on the Indo-Nepal border after intelligence agencies warned of increased activities by Jehadi elements and smugglers of fake currency and drugs and human traffickers as the Himalayan nation grapples with internal crisis.
Officials said security infrastructure and intelligence network along the border would be enhanced in the next six months. The home ministry has been repeatedly getting inputs on anti-India activities like movement of Jehadi elements and smuggling of fake Indian currency notes and narcotics along the Nepal border.
Of the 1,751 km long border, 263 km is in Uttarakhand, 560 km in Uttar Pradesh, 729 km in Bihar, 100 km in West Bengal and 99 km in Sikkim.
The supply of essential goods to Nepal have been squeezed following violent agitation in southern plains by Madhesi parties over the newly-promulgated Constitution. More than 40 people have died in clashes between police and protesters.
The Madhesis – Indian-origin inhabitants of the southern plains – and Tharu ethnic groups are protesting for more representation in the constitution.
Nepal has alleged that India has imposed an ‘economic blockade’ on the country following the announcement of its constitution. But India sees no merit in Nepal’s complaints that it was being ‘choked’ and deprived of essential supplies.
One of the main transit points at Birgunj bordering the Indian city of Raxaul has been blocked for over two weeks. Other check-points at Bhairahawa-Sunauli and Biratnagar-Jogani, however, have been partially opened.
In the meeting, the home minister also reviewed the infrastructure development projects along the Indo-Nepal border.
A detailed presentation was made by the Border Management Division of the ministry on administrative and environmental clearances for projects in the border areas.
The progress of border roads in Bihar, UP and Uttarakhand was discussed. The issue of connectivity and communication in the border states was also taken up at the meeting.