Armed Police Force tightens border surveillance

By Praveen Kumar Sharma

Rautahat, (Chandrapur), Oct. 28: The Armed Police Force (APF) has intensified security measures at the Rampurkhap border point in Rautahat to curb cross-border smuggling. 

The personnel stationed at the Rampurkhap Border Outpost (BOP) have been rigorously inspecting and seizing smuggled items almost every day.

With enhanced surveillance by the APF, there has been a noticeable decline in the smuggling and unauthorised import of goods through this border point in recent weeks. 

According to Inspector Mandira Suwal of BOP Rampurkhap, the Armed Police have launched a robust campaign to clamp down on smuggling and illicit cross-border trade through the open border area. Owing to the frequent entry of illegal goods into Nepal via this route, a substantial number of APF personnel have been deployed at the post.

Inspector Suwal further said that in the past month alone, the Rampurkhap BOP has seized contraband worth around Rs. 1 million and handed it over to the Customs Office. Although the APF has successfully confiscated a large quantity of smuggled goods, many smugglers and porters abandon their loads and flee the scene as soon as they spot security personnel, she added.

The tightening of border security has curtailed not only the illegal import and export of goods but also contributed positively to maintaining peace and order in the region. The APF has also been mobilised to assist the public during emergencies and to control criminal activities, Inspector Suwal stated.

In the aftermath of the Gen-Z Movement, the Armed Police have been working with heightened alertness to reassure citizens of peace and security. She also mentioned that the APF coordinates regularly with India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) to strengthen border security, control smuggling, and facilitate the movement of local residents.

Due to the absence of an operational customs office at Rampurkhap, locals have been unable to legally import or export goods after paying customs duties. Moreover, the restriction on the movement of four-wheeled vehicles through the border has caused considerable hardship to the residents.

Photo Caption: Armed Police personnel from BOP Rampurkhap deployed to prevent the illegal import and export of goods across the border.