How the Armed Police and Nepal Police Are Combating Illegal Entry at the Nepal-India Border
Image source: Armed Police Force
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From this week, the Armed Police Force (APF) has launched its ‘Border Interaction Team’ at six different Nepal-India border points, according to the APF spokesperson. This initiative is expected to help control the possible illegal entry of third-country nationals.
During a recent meeting of the Federalism Strengthening and National Concerns Committee under the National Assembly last week, Nepal Police Inspector General, Dan Bahadur Karki, noted that activities by some Rohingya, Pakistani, and Somali refugees have raised security sensitivities.
Following this, security officials told the BBC that identification checks are being conducted at certain points and technology-based surveillance systems are in use.
A Nepal Police spokesperson added that intelligence-driven police monitoring has been strengthened along with coordination among various agencies.
The Armed Police Force has been patrolling and coordinating with its Indian counterparts to prevent unauthorized movement of third-country nationals across the border. Last fiscal year, it arrested 20 individuals and handed them over to the Immigration Department.
Security officials stated that frequent coordination takes place between Nepal and India regarding security challenges along the open border, especially in some Terai districts where security concerns have escalated.
What the Armed Police Force Says
Image source: APF
The Armed Police Force, which holds primary responsibility for border security, reported that its Indian counterparts have already established similar structures. This mechanism works to facilitate and monitor cross-border movement.
According to APF spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General of Police, Netra Bahadur Karki, since July 26, the Border Interaction Team has been operational as a ‘pilot project’ to facilitate border movement and to assist in monitoring possible illegal entry of third-country nationals.
He stated to the BBC, “Both male and female personnel are deployed from dawn until dusk. Unlike regular military uniforms, this team is organized for surveillance, assistance, and facilitation.”
He specified that this mechanism is established at six locations: Kankadbhitta in Jhapa, Rani in Morang, Birgunj in Parsa, Danda in Rupandehi, Jamunaha in Nepalgunj, and Trinagar in Kailali.
Regular discussions are also held with the Armed Border Guards to prevent illegal entry of third-country nationals.
Deputy Inspector General Karki said that 24-hour patrols and checkpoints are maintained, with formal and informal communication underway with Indian counterparts.
“You understand the challenges of an open border. Patrols cannot cover all locations simultaneously. Illegal crossings are a challenge. We arrest anyone caught illegally crossing and hand them over to immigration,” he noted.
He revealed that 20 third-country nationals who entered Nepal through border areas were apprehended and handed over to the Immigration Department in the last fiscal year.
Nepal’s Immigration Department has legal authority to impose fines, imprisonment, or deportation on foreigners attempting to enter the country unlawfully.
What Nepal Police Says
Traditionally, Nepal has provided refuge on humanitarian grounds to Tibetan and Bhutanese refugees, but in recent years, urban refugees and forcibly displaced persons from various countries have increased.
According to United Nations refugee agency statistics, 721 urban refugees from countries ranging from Myanmar to Iran and Pakistan to Somalia are registered.
It is estimated that Nepal is home to approximately 20,000 individuals, including urban refugees, forcibly displaced persons from other countries, and Tibetan and Bhutanese refugees.
Nepal Police spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General Abi Narayan Kafle told the BBC that intelligence-led coordination among agencies has been strengthened because activities by individuals who might enter Nepal illegally pose a security challenge.
He added, “We have fortified intelligence-based police personnel, especially near border areas. Police officers and commanders have been given special surveillance directives from the Inspector General to prevent any illegal entry.”
He stated, “We are planning to strengthen border monitoring, including implementing a system where entry is only allowed upon verification of documents. We are coordinating with other security agencies and the Immigration Department.”
Former Chief of the Peace and Security Division at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Senior Secretary Phanindra Mani Pokhrel, said that implementing identification cards at border points would be a long-term solution.
He mentioned that in the short term, security forces and intelligence agencies need to collaborate with local representatives and religious organizations to maintain communal harmony.
“Implementing identification cards requires agreement between the two countries. Political issues might arise, and it may not be practical immediately. But security personnel deployed at checkpoints must demonstrate high commitment, and local residents must be honest. The government should be informed if special individuals enter these areas,” he emphasized.
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