PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Pithoragarh
Despite the unrest roiling Nepal, cross-border movement of citizens along the Indo–Nepal border stretched in Pithoragarh district remains normal. People from both sides continue to travel though they are concerned over the developments in Nepal.
Speaking on the issue, the district magistrate, Vinod Goswami confirmed that there are no restrictions on the movement of cross-border movement of people. “However, in view of the volatility in the neighbouring country’s situation, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), police and customs among others have intensified surveillance. We are keeping round the clock vigilance on suspension bridges, in particular,” he added.
According to the officials, 889 citizens had crossed from India into Nepal while 929 people entered India from Nepal through various approved routes.
They further said that that misleading posts on social media have been causing temporary confusion. They appealed to the people not to heed to such rumours. “We have never stopped the movement of Nepali citizens during this time of uncertainty,” one of the officials clarified.
Because of the social media-triggered misinformation, many Nepali shoppers avoided crossing into Indian markets. In Mahendranagar, across from Banbasa, most shops remain closed with Nepalese Army patrols visible in every street.
In Lalitpur, near Kathmandu, locals described the situation as tense. “Though flights have resumed, people are still choosing to keep themselves indoors with the situation remaining far from normal,” one of them said.
In a related development, seven prisoners who had escaped from a Nepali jail were caught by the SSB personnel while they were attempting to cross the Banbasa border. They were later handed over to Nepal’s Armed Police Force (APF).
Meanwhile, Indian security forces have launched a special verification drive along villages near the Lohaghat–Nepal border to register the Nepali labourers and residents in the area.
