APF, SSB launch joint patrol along Nepal-India border in Rautahat

RAUTAHAT: The Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal and Indian Seema Suraksha Bal (SSB) have jointly launched patrol to check any untoward activities that might occur in the areas adjoining open Nepal-India border in view of second phase of elections to the House of representatives and the State Assemblies.

The security agencies from both Nepal and India have jointly launched the patrol in the "No man's land" in view of the elections that is taking place on December 7.

The APF and the SSB, each has expedited the security check on the passers-by and the vehicles crossing borders, after establishing separate check points along the 26-kilometre 'No man's land' in the district. The security agencies have also been observing other areas near the border.

The joint patrol started from today as per the decision made in a joint security meeting held at Sitamadi in India on November 21, with Sitamadi and East Champaran district counterpart officials, according to Superintendent of Police Prem Raj Pokharel of the APF Rautahat.

The Indian security officials have assured that no such activities would be carried out targeting violence in Nepali soil during elections from the Indian territory. The Indian side committed to fully cooperating with the Nepali security forces for maintaining peace and security for holding a peaceful, fearless elections in Nepal.

Acting on the directive issued by the central security committee formed for elections and the District Security Committee, security officials of both countries agreed to curb criminal activities, besides curbing the trade in drugs and small arms and ammunition to beef up of security in the run up to the provincial and parliamentary elections in Nepal.

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