Indo-Nepal border- A 'safe haven' for terrorists?

In August this year, the Indian security agencies successfully arrested two top terrorists, after a long hunt for both of them.

On August 16, Pakistan-based terror organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba's (LeT) 'expert' bomb-maker Abdul Karim Tunda was arrested and on August 29, home-grown terror outfit Indian Mujahideen (IM) co-founder Mohammad Ahmed Sidibapa alias Yasin 'Bhatkal' was arrested.

Within a span of 15 days, Indian security agencies- National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), caught two terrorists-the "major-catch" prize, who are accused of carrying out various deadly terror attacks across the nation.

The crucial point to be noted in both the cases is a common pattern that both the terrorists were traced from the porous Indo-Nepal border.

It clearly indicates that terrorists have an easy access to enter in India and vice-a-versa, without any fear of being detected.

So, it is high-time now that both the neighbouring countries- India and Nepal should sign a new extradition treaty otherwise there are chances that more terror attacks may take place in the near future that can result in more fatalities.

The government should tighten the security at the "terror-prone" Indo-Nepal border in the same way as it has deployed Border Security Force (BSF) army-men (24*7) at the Indo-Bangladesh border.

As we all know that India shares its border with the Pakistan, China and Bangladesh- from where terrorists have attacked on the Indian soil in the past.

Although Nepal maintains friendly relations with India, but, some 'anti-India elements' are taking full advantage of Indo-Nepal border. Just think, how easy it is for making entry into China from Pakistan and from there to Nepal and Nepal to India- like crossing into your neighbour's roof!

The Indian government should think over its 1950-Indo-Nepal Treaty of peace and friendship that enables the Nepali and Indian citizens to move freely across the border without passport or visa.

Even Brahma Chellaney, a leading strategic thinker and an analyst of international geostrategic trends, yesterday tweeted:

Now, the Indian government should fortify security measures at the Indo-Nepal border by deploying additional troops so that no terror attack can take place in the Indian territory.

Is the government serious to tackle this grave issue?

Even after the arrests of two terrorists from Indo-Nepal border, the Central government has not made any statement yet regarding tightening of security at the border.

Fake currency notes are supplied via Nepal

It has been reported that Pakistan's spy agency Inter Service Intelligence (ISI) has been using Nepal as a transit point to pump in fake currency into India.

Nepali citizens in India

As India is already over-populated, more number of people from Nepal migrating to India have also put a burden on India's economic growth. According to estimates, around 12 million Nepalis are currently staying in India.

Trafficking of minor girls

Various NGOs in Nepal are dedicated to combat girls and women trafficking. According to an NGO Maiti Nepal report, most of the girls who are supplied to India are less than 14 years of age.

Trafficking of minor girls

Considered as one of the busiest slave trafficking routes anywhere in the world, forced prostitution is rampant within Nepal and to India. As many as 5,000-10,000 women and girls are reportedly trafficked to India alone each year.
Nepali virgin girls are brought as prostitutes as they are believed to be able to cure AIDS.

Drugs seizure

Every year the Uttar Pradesh police claims to seize drugs like cocaine and brown sugar, that clearly indicates that huge quantity of drugs are supplied via Indo-Nepal border.