NEW DELHI: A volatile situation in Nepal directly has a bearing on the security of India. At least 19 people were killed in Nepal following violent protests that were mostly led by young citizens.
While there are several reasons for the protests, one of the main ones was the ban on social media. The government, however, revoked the ban following the protests.
The situation is largely under control, but it remains volatile and tense. While India is closely watching the developments, it is taking no risk in terms of border security.
The Intelligence agencies have warned that such a situation in Nepal could lead to a spill-over of anti-social elements into India. These elements very often take advantage of such a situation and capitalise on lax security in Nepal to cross over into India.
Recently, there were reports that terrorists belonging to the Jaish-e-Mohammad had crossed over from Nepal into India.
Pakistan is famous for using the Nepal route to send in rogue elements into India. The most recent Intelligence report states that the ISI was planning on using this border to send in Khalistan terrorists into India. Pakistan is finding it almost impossible to operate at the International Border or the Line of Control. Hence, it has been eyeing the India-Nepal border to carry out its activities.
It has made several attempts to infiltrate the Khalistanis through the Pakistan border with Punjab. However, the success rate has been very low. This led them to attempt infiltrations through the India-Nepal border. However, India has tightened security, and this is making infiltrations harder.
While security is tight, it is relatively an easier border for terrorists and other rogue elements to slip into India.
The 1, 751 km porous border has been used extensively by the ISI to send terrorists into India. There have been plenty of incidents where drug and arms smugglers have used this border.
The landing point for these elements through Nepal has been mostly in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.