SSB intensifies checking on Indo-Nepal border, ahead of SAARC

Maharajganj, Nov 20: Ahead of the 18th SAARC meeting in Nepal next week, Shashastra Seema Bal (SSB) will undertake extensive screening in a bid to check the entry of anti-national elements from across the border to Uttar Pradesh on porous Indo-Nepal border.

The decision has been taken after Intelligence Bureau warned of increased terrorist activities in UP. The SSB would also be identifying religious places located on the Indo-Nepal border which may have been used by the Pakistani intelligence agencies like ISI for their ulterior motives.

The SSB has intensified vigilance on the border to stop infiltration occurring mainly at nights and which is becoming a sensitive issue. SSB personnel have been asked to remain alert around the clock.

"The terrorist organisations after training the youths may send them across the border through Nepal in a bid to create discord in the country", SSB's deputy commandant Manish Jaiswal told PTI.

"Metal detectors have been installed at Sonauli and Tutibari outposts on Indo-Nepal border," Jaiswal said.

According to Jaiswal, four dog squads trained in detecting narcotics and arms have also been deployed to check infiltration and two close circuit cameras have already been set up at Sonauli.

A strict vigil has to be maintained and the youths should be allowed into the country only after stringent checking. Further, even these places on border should be put under scanner and any relevant details be forwarded to the higher officials from time to time, he added.

It is also under consideration to strengthen the intelligence unit of SSB for which its network will be spread in all the bordering districts, he said. Pak Intelligence (ISI) was working on long term planning on Nepal border, he said.

PTI