India blocks Nepalis at border amid escaped prisoner fears: Report

As chaos spread, Nepalis are worried that India has reportedly banned them from entering the country through its borders. A report that appeared in local Nepali media says India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has stopped entry for Nepalis through the Gaddachauki border, a crucial Nepal-India transit point in Uttarakhand, and Gaurifanta checkpoint in Kailali.

Nepalis, who have dealings in India, have complained that they are being blocked at the border. This is because India fears that prisoners have escaped from Nepali prisons and could enter India, according to Kathmandu-based Nepal Khabar.

The unrest in Nepal has spread to prisons, resulting in many prisoners escaping. Local media reports state the Nepal Army has surrounded prisoners who broke out of the Dillibazaar prison. Though a few of them managed to break free, the army stopped them at the gate. However, many prisoners held in various districts have escaped.

High alert in border

According to reports, a high alert has been issued in Bihar, which also shares a border with Nepal; According to ADGP Law and Order Pankaj Darad, all border districts are under strict surveillance and some of the protesters were seen on the border areas, following which the security personnel sent them back.

Darad added that the movement of tourists going from India to Nepal and tourists coming from Nepal  to India has been banned for the time being. However, people living near the border can come and go between the countries, showing their identity cards. The India-Nepal border spans 1,751 km across Uttarakhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, and West Bengal.

Although the India-Nepal border has not been sealed, vigilance has been stepped up. The DGP has ordered 24-hour surveillance, increased patrolling, and deployment of additional police personnel in Balrampur, Bahraich, Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Siddharth Nagar, and Maharajganj.

India