Identity Cards Now Mandatory for Entry at Rani Border Post, Security Tightened

At the Rani border post in Biratnagar, identity cards are now mandatory for entry into Nepal, and security measures have been intensified. DIG Vinod Ghimire, Chief of Koshi Province Police, reported that heightened vigilance has been implemented along the border areas. Chief District Officer Yubaraj Kattel stated that the requirement for identity cards aims to curb illegal crossings and unlawful activities. (29 Baishakh, Biratnagar)

Local administration has tightened controls for those entering Nepal through the Rani border post in Biratnagar. Following the political shift in West Bengal, India, security at Rani, which serves as an entry point from Jogbani to Biratnagar, has been bolstered. Notably, identity cards have already been mandatory at the eastern Kakarvitta border post.

Increased vigilance has been implemented across all border points adjoining India, DIG Vinod Ghimire confirmed. The heightened surveillance is partly due to concerns that Rohingya refugees may attempt entry into Nepal. “All police units along the border have intensified their watch,” he remarked, “and identity cards are now compulsory for entry into Nepal.”

The political landscape in West Bengal has changed, with BJP leader Shuvendu Adhikari assuming the Chief Minister position, ending Mamata Banerjee’s 15-year governance. Adhikari is known as a staunch Hindu nationalist. Following his appointment, reports indicate that Rohingya refugees—who had sought shelter in West Bengal after fleeing Myanmar via Bangladesh—have begun vacating camps, increasing the possibility of their movement into Nepal, prompting stricter border enforcement.

The Police Headquarters issued a circular directing all districts bordering India to maintain heightened security. Security personnel stationed at border points are also questioning entrants about their purpose of visit. A joint team comprising Armed Police and District Police has been deployed at the border, supported by trained sniffer dogs for security inspections.

Trains from Kolkata arrive at Jogbani every three days, potentially facilitating movement along rail and road routes from West Bengal where Rohingya refugees reside. Police indicate that these routes could be used to enter Nepal, leading to the increased border checks. Chief District Officer Yubaraj Kattel emphasized, “Border security is our routine duty; the enhanced measures aim to prevent unwanted activities and reduce dependence on Indian markets. Identity cards are now mandatory at all border points in Morang district.”