Borders sealed amid Nepal violence

Patna: Following civil violence in Nepal, the Sahashtra Seema Bal (SSB) and Bihar Police have intensified vigil across the seven districts of the state that share a border with the neighbouring country.Patrolling has been stepped up along Bihar’s border with Nepal in West Champaran, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Araria, Supaul, East Champaran and Kishanganj. The borders have been sealed and commuters are being thoroughly searched.SSB spokesperson DC Amit Kushwaha said, “Nothing of concern in the bordering area. The SSB is alert 24/7 and keeping a tab on the situation in Nepal. We are expecting normalisation there soon.”On Sept 3, the Nepalese govt banned 26 social media platforms as they had not registered with its ministry of communication and information technology. The ministry had issued an order on Aug 28, setting a seven-day deadline that expired on Sept 2.Saket Gupta, a businessman from Raxaul, said, “Communication with Nepalese traders was conducted via WhatsApp. Information regarding orders and payments was also shared through social media, which has now come to a halt.”

India and Nepal share an open border, making cross-border movement easy. A police source said, “Most infiltrations occur via footpaths along the Nepal border. Infiltrators bribe villagers to gain entry. Foreigners who resemble Nepalese or Indians often cross the border on their own. Inspections at the border typically occur only if there is suspicion or intelligence information.”