PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
The Uttarakhand police declared an alert along the State’s border with Nepal on Tuesday in view of the recent political and social unrest in the neighbouring country. The Inspector General (Crime, Law & Order) Nilesh Anand Bharne told that police incharges and senior officers in all districts concerned have been directed to stay alert, especially in sensitive areas of Pithoragarh and Champawat to monitor the situation.
Coordination with intelligence agencies has also been increased. He assured that while vigilance has been heightened, regular movement of citizens will not be disrupted unless necessary. Uttarakhand shares a border of over 350 kilometres with Nepal, stretching across districts like Udham Singh Nagar, Champawat and especially Pithoragarh, where the terrain is mountainous and the movement of people is frequent.
Considering this, any instability in Nepal could potentially have a direct impact on border management, local security and cross-border trade. The Indo-Nepal border in Uttarakhand is open, allowing citizens of both countries to travel without visas.
This ease of movement, which has long supported cultural and economic exchanges, also poses challenges during periods of turmoil. The current unrest in Nepal could potentially lead to increased illegal movement, smuggling or migration pressures across the porous border.
This interdependence means that disturbances in Nepal are quickly felt in the adjoining districts of Uttarakhand. However, the IG said that the police are vigilant and everything is under control in the border areas.
