Capable, alert to protect Koshi Barrage, says Nepal

KATHMANDU: Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs said it was capable and alert enough to protect Koshi Barrage and other significant structures of the nation and no one should panic about security threats as rumoured.

Issuing a press statement on Thursday, MoHA spokesperson Yadav Prasad Koirala expressed the government's concerns toward reports carried out by national and international media claiming that international terrorist groups including the Islamic State might target the barrage on the border of Sunsari and Saptari districts of Nepal.

"Sufficient security has been arranged for all significant structures and institutions including the Koshi Barrage from the Government of Nepal," the statement read, "The Government of Nepal is capable for such arrangement."

"The Government of Nepal is alert to take appropriate step after realising information and notice to be received from any source," it added.

The government also urged media to consider the fact that such reports may create panic among members of the public and affect internal security of the nation.

The barrage, built in 1962, is a flood control sluice across the Koshi River in Saptari and Sunsari districts. Both Nepali and Indian security forces guard it.

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