Nepal Protests Spark Security Concerns for India: Border Vigilance Ramped Up
Recent unrest in Nepal is sending ripples across the border, raising alarms for India’s security. At least 19 people lost their lives in violent protests there, mostly driven by young protesters. One big trigger? A government ban on social media, which they quickly lifted after the chaos erupted. While things have calmed down a bit, the situation in Nepal remains tense and unpredictable. India is keeping a close eye on it all, and it’s not taking any chances with border security.
Intelligence agencies in India are on high alert, warning that the volatile Nepal situation could let anti-social elements slip into the country. These troublemakers often exploit weak spots in Nepal’s security to cross over. Just recently, reports surfaced about terrorists from the Jaish-e-Mohammad group sneaking in from Nepal to India. It’s a real worry, especially since Pakistan’s ISI has long used the India-Nepal border as a sneaky route for infiltrations.
Pakistan finds it tough to push rogue elements through the International Border or Line of Control these days. So, they’ve turned to the porous India-Nepal border for their dirty work. The latest intel points to ISI plans to send Khalistan terrorists into India via this route. They’ve tried slipping Khalistanis through Punjab’s Pakistan border before, but with little success. That’s why the India-Nepal border has become their go-to option—though India’s tightened security is making it harder for them.
Even so, this 1,751 km stretch is still one of the easier borders for terrorists and smugglers to cross. The ISI has exploited it big time, with plenty of cases involving drug and arms smuggling. Most of these infiltrations land in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Remember the Indian Mujahideen? Their operatives, like Yasin Bhatkal, used this border to zip to Pakistan for arms, then return to hideouts in Darbhanga, Bihar. It was a key hub for their operations back in the day.
With the fresh unrest in Nepal, India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has stepped up its game. They’re intensifying patrols to stop any spillover from Nepal protests into India. Officials stress that the current high alert is all about prevention—the situation is under control. Security forces are running strict checks, ensuring people can move freely while keeping threats at bay.
India has even urged its citizens in Nepal to stay cautious amid the India-Nepal border tensions. The open border between the two nations allows easy movement for citizens, all to boost socio-economic and cultural ties. But sadly, rogue elements and the ISI have abused this setup for anti-India activities time and again.
Take the IC-814 hijacking in 1999—it all started in Kathmandu. The flight from Kathmandu to Delhi got hijacked right after entering Indian airspace, a clear ISI plot to free Masood Azhar. After events like Operation Sindoor, India beefed up security along the India-Nepal border based on tips about Pakistani terrorists. The SSB and local police guard the Indian side, while Nepal’s Armed Police Force and police handle theirs. They team up for joint patrols and regular meetups to tackle security challenges head-on.
As Nepal’s protests continue to simmer, India remains vigilant to protect its borders from any fallout. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
