Nepal-India meeting on security coordination ends

By Siraj Khan,Nepalgunj, Jan. 13: A coordination meeting of security officials from the border districts of Nepal and India has concluded at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) on the Nepal-India border, following various discussions and decisions.

The meeting, organised by the Office of the District Magistrate (DM) of Bahraich, India, included participation from security officials of Bahraich and the Banke and Bardiya districts of Nepal.

According to Khagendra Prasad Rijal, Chief District Officer (CDO) of Banke, the meeting focused on preparations and security arrangements for the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in India and the Republic Day celebrations on January 26. 

Discussions were held on various topics, prioritising enhanced security during these events.

CDO Rijal said that the meeting also involved detailed deliberations on addressing issues like drug trafficking, human trafficking, wildlife and forest product smuggling and other criminal activities in the border areas.

Officials from both countries proposed special plans to make coordination and collaboration more effective in curbing border crimes. 

A consensus was reached to strengthen border security to tackle transnational crimes such as human trafficking and drug smuggling.

Similarly, the meeting emphasised improving information sharing between security agencies to prevent the illegal smuggling of wildlife and forest products. Both sides highlighted the need to make border security more systematic and technology-driven.

From Nepal's side, participants included Banke CDO Khagendra Prasad Rijal, Bardiya CDO Rudra Sharma, Bardiya Police Chief SP Kedar Khanal, Armed Police Force (APF) 30th Battalion Chief SP Bimal Dangi, APF 31st Battalion Chief SP Chitrang Dahal, acting Banke Police Chief DSP Dharma Raj Bhandari, APF Deputy Superintendent Pradeep Budhathoki, and Jamunaha Border Police Chief Inspector Upendra Budhathaki.

The Indian delegation included Bahraich District Magistrate (DM) Monika Rani, Police Chief SP Ram Nayan Singh, SSB 42nd Battalion Deputy Commandant Partha Sarathi Roy, 59th Battalion Officer Abhinav Kashyap, 70th Battalion Officer Sachin Kumar, Rupaidha Customs Chief Dinesh Dhamija, Rupaidha Police Station Chief Dadan Singh, border area police station chiefs, Tehsil officials, and chiefs from road, transport, and forest departments.

On the occasion, the Indian security officials also extended an invitation to the Nepali counterparts to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela.