Local levels to assist in border security

By Sachin Pokhrel, Itahari, Oct. 20: Elected representatives of the local levels in Koshi Province bordering India and China have assured necessary support to the security forces in ensuring border security as the cases of cross-border crimes and smuggling are on the rise.

The assurance was made by the ward chairpersons of the local levels in an interaction programme organised by the Armed Police Force Nepal No. 1 Baraha Brigade Headquarters in Pakali, Sunsari.

The ward chairpersons stressed that they would provide intelligence and other support to the APF in preventing human trafficking and drug smuggling among others. 

Fifty ward chairpersons of different local levels bordering India and China attended the interaction programme. The ward chairs from Phalelung Rural Municipality of Taplejung district to Barju Rural Municipality in Sunsari were present in the programme. A presentation was also made on the ways border security can be further tightened.

Anjani Kumar Pokhrel, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the APF, said that the local community and people living in the border areas have a major role in ensuring border security. “The ward chairpersons stressed the need for proper coordination between security forces and local government and the importance of sharing information on illegal activities. We will implement the recommendations we received during the programme,” said DIG Pokhrel, who is also the chief of the Sunsari-based headquarters.

According to DIG Pokhrel, ward chairs were called for the interaction programme as they are the ones who are the most aware of the problems in their areas.

The interaction programme was a part of “A concept of APF’s programme with people residing in borders” under APF, Nepal.

The ward chairs had shared their opinions on the trend of cross-border crimes in their respective areas allowing the APF to understand the changes in the trend and ways of crimes.

There are a total of 80 wards in Koshi Province bordering India and China. The 428-kilometre section of Taplejung, Panchthar, Ilam, Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari districts border with India and a 262-km section of Sankhuwasabha and Taplejung share a border with China.

There are 45 border outposts and 10 proposed Border Security Forces of the APF on the border with India and only two border outposts are on the border with China.