Two BoPs of APF inaugurated along Nepal–India border point in Ilam

By Prem Adhikari,Ilam (Pashupatinagar), Sept. 9: Two new Border Outposts (BOPs) of the Armed Police Force (APF) have been inaugurated along the Nepal–India border point in Ilam district, strengthening cross-border security and curbing illicit activities in the region.

The outposts, located at Chabbise in Suryodaya Municipality-4 and Manebhanjyang in Suryodaya Municipality-1, were formally inaugurated by APF Additional Inspector General (AIG) Banshiraj Dahal.

Speaking at the ceremony, AIG Dahal stated that the BOPs were established with the dual purpose of enhancing law and order in the sensitive border region and combating smuggling and other cross-border crimes. 

AIG Dahal stressed that the APF would coordinate with Indian security agencies, local governments, and communities to ensure security and peace.

“The Armed Police must win the trust of citizens while working along the border. In places where the frontier remains open, APF plays a vital role in curbing illegal activities,” Dahal remarked, while also directing personnel to act firmly against unlawful cross-border movements.

The permanent structure in Chabbise was constructed for Rs. 20.61 million under a contract awarded to Victoria Hydro Construction Company on February 27, 2025. 

Similarly, the Manebhanjyang outpost was completed for Rs. 23.27 million by Terison Crystal JV, which secured the contract in January 2024. Prior to these developments, APF personnel had been operating from temporary sheds at both sites.

According to APF Ilam Superintendent of Police (SP) Lokendra Subedi, the new facilities have significantly improved the efficiency of daily operations and administrative functions.

Suryodaya Deputy Mayor Durga Kumar Baral underlined the importance of the APF’s presence in maintaining peace and minimising border disputes. “The establishment of BoPs in rural border areas has already helped reduce tensions along the Nepal-India border. In the coming days, more focus should be given to curbing smuggling,” he stated.

The inaugural programme was attended by senior officials, including APF DIG of Koshi Province Command Kumar Neupane, Ilam Chief District Officer Sunita Nepal, Nepal Army’s Ilam Chief Prahlad Ghale, SP Ek Narayan Koirala of Ilam District Police, APF SP Dorna Bishwakarma, local ward chairpersons, people’s representatives, and community members. Local land donors who provided plots for the outposts were also honoured at the event.

Ilam district shares a 52.5-kilometre stretch of border with India, extending from Tiring in Rong Rural Municipality to Sandakpur hill in Sandakpur Rural Municipality. With the latest additions, six APF BoPs and a proposed battalion headquarters in Pashupatinagar are currently in operation across the frontier. Only the outposts at Pashupatinagar and Kalpokhari remain without permanent structures, though land acquisition has already been completed for their construction.

Security officials note that the expansion of APF presence has contributed to reducing long-standing disputes and tensions along the Nepal–India border in Ilam.