Security tightened along Bihar-Nepal border amid escalating unrest in Nepal

In the wake of escalating violence in Nepal, security has been significantly heightened across seven districts of Bihar that share a porous 729-kilometre-long border with the neighbouring country.

The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the central force tasked with guarding this open border, has stepped up round-the-clock surveillance in East Champaran, West Champaran, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Araria, Supaul, and Kishanganj districts.

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SSB Assistant Commandant Sanjeev Kumar said he is personally monitoring the situation and that patrolling along the border has been intensified as a precautionary measure.

District police teams are working in close coordination with the SSB to prevent any spillover of unrest into the Indian territory. The violence in Nepal, triggered by a government-imposed ban on social media platforms, has started to affect border regions of Bihar.

In Biratnagar, Nepal, located near the Integrated Check Post at Jogbani in Araria district, protesters set fire to the office of a sub-divisional officer and vandalised several government buildings. Reports of similar violent protests have also emerged from Birgunj, near the Raxaul border in East Champaran district.

In response, all border outposts and police stations have been placed on high alert, and the security of key government institutions in border districts has been enhanced.

Araria Superintendent of Police Anjani Kumar Singh stated that police stations along the Nepal border and all SSB units have been instructed to remain on high alert and thoroughly monitor all cross-border movement.

“We are keeping a close watch on the situation in Nepal and are fully alert. Swift action will be taken if necessary,” Singh told the media.

While people are still allowed to cross the border following routine body frisking, the entry of trucks and other vehicles has been restricted. Officials at the Jogbani check post confirmed that several trucks carrying goods remain stranded due to the ongoing unrest in Nepal.