India moves to plug ’soft’ Nepal border

Worried that “undesirable elements” may exploit the 1,751-km “soft” Indo-Nepal border, the Centre intends to make it nec...

Worried that “undesirable elements” may exploit the 1,751-km “soft” Indo-Nepal border, the Centre intends to make it necessary for people crossing the border by road to have valid travel documents.

The new mechanism will come into force in an “experimental manner” from November 1 at one designated entry point — Rupaidiha in UP’s Bahraich district and Nepalganj on the other side. Immigration and customs facilities will be built at the entry points by November 1.

The decision was cleared today at a high-level meeting attended by the Ministry of External Affairs, security and paramilitary forces

and the Home Ministry.

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The Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1950 provides for an open border, allowing free cross-border movement of Nepalese and Indian nationals. Until now, travel documents were required only for air travel between the two countries.

Aware that the new mechanism could cause difficulties, India and Nepal have agreed to accept seven commonly available documents as valid travel paper.

These include a passport, driving licence and photo-identity cards issued by the state or central government or by public sector undertakings. PAN cards, ration cards, identity cards issued by school and colleges and certificates with photographs issued by district-level would also be accepted.