Kathmandu [Nepal], August 23 – Nepal and India have agreed to expand joint patrols along their shared border and regularly exchange information on cross-border crimes officials said.
The agreement was reached at a coordination meeting of security officials from four districts of the two countries held in Jaleshwar the headquarters of Nepal’s Mahottari district on Saturday.
Mahottari Assistant Chief District Officer Sanjay Kumar Pokharel said the meeting discussed measures to control arms and drug trafficking, human trafficking and other cross-border crimes. Officials also discussed the protection and maintenance of border pillars.
Pokharel said security personnel from both countries agreed to expand their existing joint patrols and share information about criminal activities occurring along the border.
Mahottari Chief District Officer Indradev Yadav said the officials also discussed controlling cross-border human trafficking, illegal migration and unauthorized movement toward third countries. They agreed to cooperate through joint teams to prevent the smuggling of narcotics and psychotropic substances, illegal weapons and ammunition, stolen vehicles and other stolen property across the border.
The meeting was attended by the chief district officers of Mahottari, Sarlahi and Rautahat, along with the District Magistrate of India’s Sitamarhi and senior police officials from both countries.
