Bilateral commitment to bolster border security and cooperation
KATHMANDU:- The border security leaderships of Nepal and India have agreed to bolster bilateral cooperation to control illegal activities and cross-border crimes between the two countries.
During the 10th Nepal-India Coordination Meeting attended by the chiefs of the Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal and India’s Armed Border Force, the two sides reviewed the progress of previous decisions and agreed to strengthen cooperation at strategic, operational and field levels.
The meeting is for continuing joint efforts to effectively manage the ‘no-man’s-land’ (Dashgaja) area by wiping out unauthorised cultivation, encroachments and illegal structures. In line with the decisions of the ‘Boundary Working Group’ and the ‘Survey Officials Committee,’ the security forces from both countries agreed to enhance coordination in the field for the ongoing maintenance, repair and reconstruction of border pillars, according to APF spokesperson Netra Bahadur Karki.
Both sides committed to continuing the timely exchange of information on cross-border criminal networks, illegal trafficking, human trafficking, counterfeit currency, and the illegal movement of citizens from third countries. To prevent the illegal entry of citizens from third countries, the security agencies would beef up checking and document verification at border points, carry out coordinated patrols in the area of no-man’s-land, and promptly share information related to suspicious individuals.
People from third countries may enter Nepal and India by taking advantage of the open border. The meeting also dwelt on how the two sides could adopt use of modern technology and specialised training support in order to address growing challenges before border security challenges.
Even the strengthening of institutional ties between the two security agencies through regular exchange visits was given emphasis. Spokesperson Karki told RSS that thorough discussions were held on the installation of CCTV cameras to monitor the ‘no-man’s-land’; the deployment of luggage scanners and walk-through metal detectors at major checkpoints; and further use of drones within their respective territories.
The joint water rescue exercises were also featured during the discussion. Other issues discussed by the security officials of Nepal and India were the establishment of help desks at checkpoints, and an increase in bilateral trust and goodwill through friendly sports matches and joint cultural programmes on the occasion of various international days and major festivals.
The two-day meeting held in Kathmandu was led by Inspector General of the Armed Police Force, Narayan Datta Paudel, for the Nepali delegation, and by Director General of the Armed Border Force (SSB), Sanjay Singhal, for the Indian delegation.
The coordination meetings have been held alternately in both countries since 2012. The next meeting will be held in India. RSS
