To make an adequate and robust presence at the border, the APF should be modernised and well equipped with the latest weapons. The border area, encompassing 5-10 km, should come under full control of the APF. The government has deployed the APF at the frontier, but due to lack of a specific border law, it is facing hurdles in implementing the rules and regulations
Nepal is a major entry point to the Himalayan region. Geographically, it shares borders with India on one side and China on the other. The vast fertile plains of the Tarai share a border with India. The majestic mountains and highlands to the north form the boundary between Nepal and China.
Nepal has a border that is about 1,880 km long with India on three sides – east, west and south and about 1,414 km with China.
Twenty-seven districts of Nepal share borders with India and 15 with China, while Darchula and Taplejung districts are linked to both India and China.
The world is running in a dynamic process, and there is vibrant interaction among the peoples through culture, education, business and diplomacy. In the face of globalisation, people are used to staying in a multi-cultural and multi-nation environment.
Despite the major challenges facing human security, the flow of travellers and migration have risen dramatically. This constantly changing world insists on enhancing human security in the 21st century.
In the face of these challenges, border security, including for Nepal, is becoming highly complicated and menacing.
Nepal has an open border to the south and a controlled border to the north.
The borders on both sides have not remained undisputed, and its border security faces threats. Its strategic implementation remains a challenge for the future. Thus, the government should take border security seriously. Our security agencies should prepare for future border challenges.
Nepal's border defence policy should be reviewed by the policymakers.
A vigorous and resistant border defence and border security approach are urgently needed.
The open border between Nepal and India is a unique case in the world, but it has been misused by unwanted elements. Nepal and India should regulate open border access at least by allocating major and secondary entry points.
Otherwise, one day, it will damage the security environment.
A regulated border system does not mean the application of visas or travel restrictions on the peoples of both sides.
An open border has a direct impact on national security.
Thus, Nepal can't stay aloof from cross-border security threats. The unrestricted flow of illegal immigrants has impacted Nepal's demographic and social change. The Tarai's fertile land has also been encroached by rapid urbanisation.
This has severely impacted the national economy of Nepal.
Massive exploitation of natural resources and non-traditional security challenges are threatening our national security. Refugee infiltration, kidnapping, looting, trade in small arms trade and organised crime are some of the serious threats facing Nepal-India border security.
Despite all these issues, the border dispute between Nepal and India is a major concern. Since 2001, with the formation of the Armed Police Force (APF), the Nepal government has given the main mandate of border security to the APF. So far, Nepal has established 220 border outposts, whereas India has established nearly 534. Thus, Nepal needs to deploy more troops to the southern side to monitor the border.
Due to the difficult geography of Nepal's northern border, it has not been well managed or monitored.
The government's presence is limited to a few places only. In the absence of physical surveillance and intelligence in the northern part, wild flora and fauna are being smuggled out of the country. Due to the natural calamities taking place at higher altitudes, border security faces difficulties in monitoring the border pillars.
Massive pasture lands remain misused and unused.
No one knows what is happening along the northern border.
So far, Nepal has established only seven border outposts along this vast Himalayan region. The demarcation pillars could disappear due to natural circumstances or encroachment.
Hence, the government needs to deploy more APF border outposts on the northern side. Otherwise, enormous security threats will arise in the future.
Considering the changing security dynamics, Nepal needs to strengthen border security. This requires some far-reaching strategic plans and the readiness of the government.
This demands an effective border law and regulations with innovative technology and infrastructure.
Among the security agencies, there should be effective integration and cooperation.
To make an adequate and robust presence at the border, the APF should be modernised and well equipped with the latest weapons. The border area, encompassing 5-10 km, should come under full control of the APF.
The government has deployed the APF at the frontier, but due to lack of a specific border law, it is facing hurdles in implementing the rules and regulations.
The state should enact laws and must provide the necessary resources for this so as not to duplicate functions along the border areas by other government agencies.
The main and auxiliary routes should be specified at the border points. Entry to Nepal from other places should be denied. Innovative technology and an infrastructure data analytics system must be installed at specific border points so that the security agencies can easily verify the identity cards and passports. An integrated monitoring and surveillance system will help to cover a massive area. Large-size vehicle non-invasive inspection scanners are also needful at the major entry points.
Foreign terrorist fighters and underworld gangsters may exploit the open border to traffic small arms and light weapons, explosives, drugs and other illicit goods.
Border security is not only for beefing up internal security, it also concerns external national security to preserve the sovereignty of Nepal. Nepal should not hesitate to take strong steps to promote its national interest.
A version of this article appears in the print on December 28, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.
