No ID, No Entry: Nepal Tightens Rules For Indians At Border

Kathmandu: A new barrier has now been erected between the decades-old close relationship between India and Nepal. Security has been suddenly tightened at the India-Nepal border since Saturday. According to a new order from the Nepal administration, it will now be mandatory for Indian citizens to show valid identification to enter Nepal.

How is the situation at the border?

As soon as this order came into effect, chaos reigned at the Jogbani border. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Nepal Police are thoroughly checking every person entering and leaving, resulting in long queues of vehicles and pedestrians at the border. Those without identification are being turned away at the barricades, causing significant difficulties for traders, patients, and tourists.

Is ID mandatory for Indian citizens?

The Nepal administration has now made it mandatory for Indian citizens entering the country to show their identity cards. As soon as the new rules came into effect, long queues of vehicles and passengers formed at the Jogbani border from early morning. People are only allowed to enter Nepal after verification of their identity cards, while those without valid identification cards are being turned away. Bihar's Araria district shares a nearly 90-kilometer-long border with Nepal.

How are the relations?

The two countries have had a close relationship in the border areas for years. Thousands of Indian citizens travel to and from Nepal every day, and a large number of Nepali citizens also travel in India. However, with the Nepal administration's new strictures, ordinary people, traders, patients, and tourists are facing significant difficulties. Locals said that while cross-border movement used to be normal, now every person is subjected to thorough checks.

Chaos prevailed at the India-Nepal border. Many people were traveling to Nepal for important work, but due to lack of identification, they had to wait for hours. The Nepal administration has become fully vigilant regarding border security. In view of illegal infiltration, suspicious activities, and security concerns, checking operations have been intensified. Nepal Police and security agencies are monitoring everyone crossing the border. Additional security personnel have also been deployed at the border.

Following the new government in Nepal, the administration appears to be adopting a stricter stance on many matters, a result of which is now being felt on the India-Nepal border. However, the Nepal administration has described this as a routine security check and said that there is no need for people to panic. 

The administration maintains that this step has been taken to maintain security and order at the border. Despite this, there is an atmosphere of concern among the people living in the border areas, as it is directly affecting daily life and business.