Kathmandu. An agreement has been reached between the border security leadership of both countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation to control illegal activities and cross-border crimes in the Nepal-India border area.
In the ‘Nepal-India 10th Coordination’ meeting, the main participants of the Armed Police Force of Nepal and India’s Armed Forces agreed to enhance cooperation at the strategic, operational and operational levels by reviewing the progress of the previous decision.
The meeting decided to continue joint efforts to remove unauthorized farming, encroachment and illegal structures for effective management of Dasgaja area. According to the decision of the Boundary Working Group and the Survey Officials Committee, both sides have agreed to increase coordination in the field to continuously repair, maintain and rebuild the border posts, said Netra Bahadur Karki, spokesperson of the Armed Police.
Both parties have expressed their commitment to continue the exchange of information related to cross-border criminal networks, illegal smuggling, human trafficking, counterfeit notes, drug control and unauthorized movement of citizens of third countries.
It has been agreed to strengthen checks and document verification at border crossings to prevent illegal entry of citizens of third countries by abusing the open borders, conduct coordinated patrols in Dasgaja area and exchange information about suspected persons immediately.
To deal with border security challenges, it has been decided to extend modern technology, special training assistance and strengthen institutional relations between both security agencies through regular study visits.
Spokesman Karki informed that there was a thorough discussion about CCTV for surveillance of Dasgaja area, placing of ‘luggage scanners’ and ‘walk-through metal detectors’ at major border crossings and increasing the use of drones in their respective territories.
In order to deal with natural disasters such as floods, landslides and earthquakes, there was also a discussion about conducting ‘Joint Water Rescue Practice’ at the Armed Police Force, Nepal Disaster Management Training School in Kurintar, Chitwan.
In the meeting, it was also agreed to expand the assistance room at the border crossing for the convenience of legal travelers, to organize friendly sports as well as joint cultural programs on various international days and major festivals to enhance bilateral trust and camaraderie.
In the two-day meeting in the capital, the Nepali delegation was led by Inspector General of Armed Police Narayanadatta Paudel and the Indian delegation was led by Director General of Armed Forces Sanjay Singhal.
Since 2012, coordination meetings have been held alternately in both countries. The next meeting will be held in India.
In the meeting, the high professionalism and cooperation demonstrated by the armed police and armed border forces units in maintaining the overall security situation of the Nepal-India border region was appreciated.