Security tightened in northern Nepal border with China

Kathmandu, March 11 — Security arrangements have been tightened in the northern regions bordering China.

Nepal shares its geographical boundary with China in 14 districts. Immigration offices are located in four districts that share a border with China.

In Rasuwa, Mustang, Humla, and Sindhupalchok, immigration offices have been set up at Rasuwagadhi, Korala, Hilsa, and Tatopani respectively. 

An immigration office is also being prepared to open in Tinkar, Darchula. According to the Director General of the Department of Immigration, Govinda Prasad Rijal, "We are opening an immigration office in Tinkar."

The immigration offices issue "travel passes" allowing passage from Nepal to China. Once a pass is obtained, individuals can travel back and forth for a year.

In the China border areas, including Korala, the Armed Police Force has established Border Out Posts (BOPs) at 10 locations. The security has been tightened due to concerns about refugees entering from Tibet. 

The Armed Police Force spokesperson (DIG) Kumar Neupane told Ratopati, "We have intensified security to prevent unwanted activities at the border." He added, "We are always vigilant about security challenges in the border areas."

As the security has been tightened by both the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police, refugees have not been able to enter Nepal from Tibet. A senior official from the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that refugee activities have not been observed in the northern border areas recently.

Security officers of Nepal Police are also patrolling border areas in districts like Taplejung, Humla, Mustang, Gorkha, and Sankhuwasabha. To prevent unwanted activities at the border, the police have also been conducting community-police partnership programs.

A senior police officer mentioned, "By working closely with the local communities through the partnership program, it has become easier to control illegal activities in these areas."

Special surveillance is being conducted to control gold smuggling from the border, according to a police officer.