• Source:JND

India-Nepal Ties: The Nepal government's tightening of customs and border entry rules is having a profound impact on the region along the India-Nepal border. Indian markets along the border are deserted, following the strict norms. The number of people crossing the border from the Nepal side to shop has decreased significantly.

Security checks have been increased at the India-Nepal border, making identification mandatory for entry into Nepal. The Nepal government has taken the move for security reasons, but it has severely affected labourers, patients, and daily commuters.

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What Are The Fresh Restrictions?

People without valid documents like Aadhaar cards and voter IDs are not allowed to enter Nepal. The two friendly nations, which share "Roti-Beti Ka Rishta" (Relationship of bread and daughter, which signifies the deep, open-border social, economic, and familial ties).

No ID, No Entry

Following the implementation of security and strict customs rules by the Nepal government, the border has been significantly tightened. Indian citizens are now barred from entering Nepal without a valid identification. Sometimes, digital/ordinary copies of documents like Aadhaar cards or PAN cards are not considered valid at the border, and people are turned away.

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Citizens in the border areas are facing difficulties due to the Nepal government's new rules. The new customs regulations have led to a decrease in customer traffic in markets on both sides of the border due to the increased checking and confiscation of goods. Residents and traders in the border areas are angry and uneasy that the paperwork is straining centuries-old social and cultural ties.

Due to the lack of shopping in the border markets, businesses in both countries are being affected. Border markets are experiencing a significant drop in customers.

Hundreds Of Patients Travel To Nepal Daily

India and Nepal are considered to be a bond of love and affection. The approximately 38-kilometre border stretch from Sonamni Gudam to Ambari is home to a large number of families with relatives living in both countries. This is why people used to be able to cross the border easily without any special checks, but now the situation has completely changed.

Due to the presence of large hospitals and renowned eye care centres in Biratnagar, Lahan, and Dharan in Nepal, hundreds of patients from the border districts of Bihar travel to Nepal daily for treatment. However, the requirement of an identity card has created complications.

The Nepal government has also implemented rules for children under 15 years of age. It is now mandatory for children to show their birth certificate or school ID. Those who do not have any documents are stopped at the border.

What Did The Officials Say?

According to the Nepali authorities, the ID checkup is being conducted for security reasons. "Identity verification has been made mandatory for visitors not only from India but from all countries. The Nepal administration has also deployed additional police forces along the border for security purposes," said Sheetal Shrestha, APF, DSP, Nepal.

"Security forces from both countries are working in coordination to maintain peace and security in the border areas, further strengthening security in the border areas. Entry is permitted only after thorough checking of all visitors at the border," said PN Singh, Acting Commandant, SSB 52nd Battalion, Araria.

(With Jagran.com/Dipak Kumar Gupta Inputs)

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