India Amps Up Border Security Amid Nepal Unrest and Violent Protests

The central authority tightened border security in response to the ongoing protests in Nepal. The Indian government has directed the Uttar Pradesh police administration to increase security across all seven border districts with Nepal. With additional police force, around-the-clock surveillance, and heightened patrolling, Shravasti, Balrampur, Bahraich, Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Siddharthnagar, and Maharajganj districts are on high alert.

Tight Vigil with Timely Assistance

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Director General of Police (DGP) in UP, Rajiv Krishna, confirmed that a special control room has been set up at the Police Headquarters in Lucknow to assist Indian nationals stranded in Nepal. Three helpline numbers, including one WhatsApp number, will remain operational 24×7 – 0522-2390257, 0522-2724010, and 9454401674 (WhatsApp also available for 9454401674).

“The UP Police is fully committed to maintaining law and order in the state and providing all possible assistance to Indian citizens stranded in Nepal,” said ADG (Law & Order) Amitabh Yash.

The security authorities further confirmed that the Indo-Nepal border has not been closed; only the vigil has been enhanced. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), which mans the open border, has stepped up patrolling to prevent illegal infiltration. 

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Commissioner of Devipatan division, Shashi Lal Bhushan Sushil, instructed district magistrates to closely coordinate with police and SSB officials. Additionally, police instructed social media units to monitor sensitive posts and information and prompt action if necessary.

The India-Nepal border spans at least 1,751 km across Uttarakhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Sikkim. It permits free movement for citizens of both countries. Previously, similar alerts have been issued along the border districts during periods of internal turmoil in Nepal during the 2015 Madhesi protests, which disrupted trade and cross-border movement.

Nepal Turmoil Continues

Following the resignation of Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, anti-government protests led by young demonstrators against corruption and a controversial social media ban took more violent turns. 

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The protest that started as a call for freedom continues to shock the world as the days pass, with mobs setting government buildings and politicians' homes on fire. Protesters attacked former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba while setting the country's parliament on fire. 

On Tuesday, Nepalese President Ram Chandra Paudel appealed for peace: “In a democracy, the demands raised by citizens can be addressed through dialogue and negotiation,” in a statement quoted by The Himalayan Times.