The Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal and Indian Seema Suraksha Bal (SSB) have jointly launched patrol to check any untoward activities that might occur in the areas adjoining open Nepal-India border in view of second phase of elections to the House of representatives and the State Assemblies.

The Himalayan Times reports the security agencies from both Nepal and India have jointly launched the patrol in the “No man’s land” in view of the elections that is taking place on December 7.

The APF and the SSB, each has expedited the security check on the passers-by and the vehicles crossing borders, after establishing several check points along the 26-kilometre ‘No man’s land’ in the district. The security agencies have also been observing other areas near the border.

The joint patrol started from today as per the decision made in a joint security meeting held at Sitamadi in India on November 21, with Sitamadi and East Champaran district counterpart officials, according to Superintendent of Police Prem Raj Pokharel of the APF Rautahat.

The Indian security officials have assured that no such activities would be carried out targeting violence in Nepali soil during elections from the Indian territory. The Indian side committed to fully cooperating with the Nepali security forces for maintaining peace and security for holding a peaceful, fearless elections in Nepal.

Acting on the directive issued by the central security committee formed for elections and the District Security Committee, security officials of both countries agreed to curb criminal activities, besides curbing the trade in drugs and small arms and ammunition to beef up of security in the run-up to the provincial and parliamentary elections in Nepal.

According to a report The Himalayan Times, the security officials of Nepal and India have agreed to seal Nepal-India border along Rauthat, Sarlahi and Mohattari districts for three days prior to the upcoming elections.

A joint security meeting held at Sitamadi in India decided to seal the border to prevent untoward activities during the House of Representatives and State Assemblies elections on November 26 in Nepal.

Chief District Office of Rauthat Udav Bahadur Thapa said that the Indian security officials have assured that no such activities would be carried out targeting violence in Nepali soil during elections from the Indian territory.

“They have said that the Indian side would fully cooperate with the Nepali security forces for maintaining peace and security for holding a peaceful, fearless elections in Nepal,” Thapa added.