What is the Current Situation at the Banbasa Border as Nepal Stabilizes?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Calmness has returned to the Banbasa-Nepal border following recent unrest.
- Vehicular movement is completely suspended, allowing only essential foot traffic.
- The Sashastra Seema Bal is actively monitoring the situation for any potential threats.
- Local communities are feeling the impact of the curfew, affecting their access to goods.
- Heightened security has been implemented to prevent unauthorized crossings.
Banbasa, September 12 (NationPress) Following the emergence of the Gen Z movement in Nepal, a sense of tranquility has settled along the Banbasa-Nepal border. Currently, vehicular traffic is halted, allowing only essential foot traffic under tight supervision.
For the last three days, the Nepali town of Mahendranagar, adjacent to Banbasa in Uttarakhand's Champawat district, has been under a strict curfew. The Nepali Army is diligently enforcing these measures, permitting locals limited access to necessary supplies during designated hours in the morning and evening.
The effects of the curfew in Mahendranagar, situated in Nepal's Kanchanpur district, are evident on the Indian side of the Banbasa border. Once a hub of daily cross-border activity, the international border now stands silent, reminiscent of the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Typically, the Banbasa International Border functions as a significant legal crossing point for citizens of India, Nepal, and other countries. However, due to lingering tensions, Indian security forces have completely suspended vehicle movement. In the past three days, only individuals with essential needs have been permitted to cross on foot.
The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), tasked with securing the India-Nepal border, is on high alert. Law enforcement agencies in Champawat and the nearby Udham Singh Nagar districts are also exercising rigorous vigilance, with a noticeable atmosphere of unease prevailing along the border.
Inspector General of Police for Kumaon Range, Riddhim Agarwal, has conducted a personal inspection of the security measures along the Nepal border near Banbasa and Khatima. Additionally, Commandant Manohar Lal of the SSB's 57th Battalion is performing regular inspections of border posts to ensure stability and monitor the evolving situation.
Amidst concerns regarding prisoners reportedly released from Nepali jails during the unrest, IG Agarwal has highlighted the necessity for intensified surveillance. She has instructed all security agencies to maintain continuous patrolling to prevent any exploitation of the current circumstances by anti-national elements.
"With dense forests bordering much of the open Indo-Nepal border, the forest department has also been alerted. Coordination between forest rangers and security personnel has been heightened to deter unauthorized crossings and enhance national security," Agarwal stated.