SSB for identification of people crossing border

Patna, July 24 (UNI) In the wake of the arrest of two terrorist involved in the Mumbai blasts from Madhubani, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) today urged the Bihar government to evolve a mechanism to check entry of extremists and other anti-socials and keep a record of those who crossed the borders.

SSB director general Tilak Kak, entrusted with the responsibilities of manning the Indo-Nepal international borders, told newspersons here that the 1,868 km long open border provides opportunity for movement of anti-socials.

He said despite the friendly ties between the two countries, the state government should keep records of all those crossing the Indo-Nepal International border and allow only those to leave the country who produce any of the 15 identification documents allowed by the Election Commission.

Mr Kak referred to the Asian Development Bank report which had revealed that more that 3,000 Nepali girls and women have crossed over to India during the last one year. He said these women were being engaged in smuggling of firearms and drugs and so the SSB had recomended the Union Home Minstry to form women batallions to check such activities.

The SSB DG admitted that the pitiable condition of the roads was a major hurdle in keeping a close watch in the region and said the SSB, which takes care of security at the Indo-Bhutan border also, had already sent a proposal for building new roads along the border for better vigilance. He also suggested better telecommunications, weaponry and other facilities to monitor the movements of anti-socials.

Mr Kak said enhanced security along these borders have become essential in the wake of unrestricted movement of people from both sides of the borders.

He said the SSB was trying to instil confidence among the people living in the border areas and was involving local youths for the purpose. For this the SSB has recruited about 1000 youths from Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur and East and West Champaran.

The SSB during the past one year had seized narcotics worth Rs one crore and arrested over 50 Nepali and Indian maoists during different operations.

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