Security Concerns Rise as Bhutanese Refugee Security Base Camp Remains Closed in Pathari Sanischare

Morang. The long-standing closure of the 'Bhutanese Refugee Security Base Camp' of the Armed Police Force in Pathari Sanischare Municipality-10, Morang, has heightened security concerns among the local and refugee communities.

The camp, which was displaced during arson and vandalism amidst the Jenji movement, has not yet been operationalized even as security bodies in other areas have been restored.

Police posts and Armed Police base camps damaged during protests across the country have been rebuilt and resumed services. However, locals and the Bhutanese refugee community have complained that the concerned authorities have shown no interest in this camp, considered a sensitive area in Pathari Sanischare.

They believe that the state has ignored the security sensitivity of this area despite repeated requests and attention. The camp, established in 2064 BS, had a sanctioned strength of 15 Armed Police personnel.

Locals say that when the camp was operational, peace and security in the area were strong, and activities like theft, quarrels, social disputes, and drug use were controlled. But now, due to the absence of security forces, these problems have resurfaced.

Locals claim that the activities of those involved in criminal activities have increased since the camp closed, and particularly the smuggling and use of drugs have taken a severe form. Geographically, the open settlement and border influence make this area challenging from a security perspective. Due to the lack of regular security surveillance, residents of the refugee camp and surrounding areas are forced to live in fear of insecurity.

Local residents, who have approached offices from the District Administration Office to the Armed Police Headquarters for the camp's restoration, appear disappointed. Karan Rai, secretary of the Bhutanese Refugee Security Base Camp, has pledged that if the Armed Police guarantee their return, the community itself will bear all the expenses for the camp's reconstruction and maintenance.

Locals have drawn the government's attention to the urgent need for the presence of security forces to end the current security vacuum and reduce the growing insecurity in the area. They have demanded immediate permanent security arrangements, warning that the social security situation could become even more dire with further delays.