Security tightened in Nepalgunj after escalating India-Pakistan tensions

By Siraj Khan,Nepalgunj, May 10: Amid escalating tensions between South Asia’s two major powers, India and Pakistan, security forces on both sides of the Nepal-India border have heightened surveillance and control, particularly at the Nepalgunj-Jamunaha border point.

Increased security measures have been put in place at the Nepalgunj checkpoint, with Nepal’s Armed Police Force (APF) now requiring all incoming individuals to present valid identification documents before being allowed to enter Nepal.

Superintendent of Police Shobha Kant Khanal of the APF Battalion No. 30, Bageshwari, Banke, said that only Indian nationals with proper identification are being permitted to enter Nepal. Those without valid documents are being interrogated before being allowed in.

Previously, India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) had implemented a similar requirement at the Rupaidiha checkpoint, mandating IDs for all Indian and Nepali travellers. Now, Nepalis authorities are adopting the same approach on their side of the border.

According to SP Khanal, all individuals entering Nepal are being thoroughly checked, and constant monitoring is in place.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Deepak Patali of Banke District Police Office confirmed the increased vigilance due to the India-Pakistan conflict. He said that APF officers are now verifying IDs at major border points to prevent the entry of any suspicious individuals. Patrolling has also been intensified at other open border areas.

Meanwhile, the SSB has deployed specially trained personnel and sniffer dogs at the border to conduct comprehensive inspections before permitting movement between the two countries.

Both Indian and Nepali security forces have also launched joint and solo patrols along the border to ensure safety.

As tensions rise, the number of Nepali nationals returning home from India has also increased, according to the Area Police Office at the Jamunaha border point.