Controversy after Indian SSB enters Nepali territory and destroys temporary dam under construction in Susta
Disputes frequently arise there due to the absence of border pillars, the shifting course of the Narayani River, and repeated encroachments by the Indian side. Both Nepal and India have accepted a *simal* tree as a border marker; however, locals claim that the SSB crossed into Nepali territory—short of that tree—and demolished an embankment.
NAWALPARASI:- A dispute has arisen in Susta, West Nawalparasi, after India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) entered Nepali territory and demolished a temporary dam that was under construction.
According to local resident Sanjit Sharma, around 60 SSB personnel—comprising about 15 in plainclothes and others in uniform carrying weapons—entered Nepali territory at approximately 3:30 PM on Sunday.
“A clash broke out after locals resisted the Indian security personnel—who had initially arrived in plainclothes—as they began demolishing the dam; the situation escalated when over a hundred Indian security personnel arrived at the scene,” Sharma said.
Locals state that Indian security personnel demolished a 132-meter-long, temporary earthen embankment that was under construction at Tharu Tole in Susta Rural Municipality-5. Residents have protested against the demolition of the embankment being built on the Nepali side. Chief District Officer Deepak Raj Nepal stated that the situation returned to normal during the day following the incident.
Locals claim that the Indian SSB crossed 300 meters into Nepali territory—beyond the ‘Simal tree’ that marks the border—and demolished a dam; a dispute arose after locals failed in their attempt to stop the armed personnel. Chief District Officer Nepal stated that both sides need to exercise restraint and that the administration is taking steps to address the situation. “It appears essential for both sides to exercise restraint; once the issue is raised, a diplomatic solution should be sought rather than escalating the dispute, as there are various practical aspects involved,” said CDO Nepal.
Work had previously been halted last Asar after Indian security personnel entered the Susta area and pressured authorities to stop the construction of a dam. Susta has long been a disputed border area between Nepal and India.
Disputes frequently arise there due to the absence of border pillars, the shifting course of the Narayani River, and repeated encroachments by the Indian side. Both Nepal and India have accepted a *simal* tree as a border marker; however, locals claim that the SSB crossed into Nepali territory—short of that tree—and demolished an embankment.
Nepal’s Armed Police Force has arrived at the site to prevent any untoward incidents following the demolition of the dam by the Indian side. Meanwhile, locals have been accusing the Nepali administration of failing to take concrete action. They had returned to the district after an agreement was reached—following protests in Kathmandu regarding the Susta issue—to increase security forces at the border; however, as the problem remains unresolved, a long-term solution appears necessary.
