Bihar: Nepal removes temporary camp, watch tower after military talks

Amid the on-going political chaos between India and Nepal, Nepal has removed the temporary camp and watch tower built at the Indian border after rounds of military talks.

Motihari: After rounds of military talk were held between Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Nepali forces over the on-going border stand-off, Nepal on Saturday removed the temporary camp and watch tower built in Panthola village at the Indian border. In an attempt to restore the peace and tranquility along the border, Nepali troops, which earlier intruded the Indian territory, have stepped back after military and diplomatic engagements.

The structure was set up at the other side of Sarisawa river amid the corona-induced lockdown at the Indian territory which sparked a controversy.

This development comes amid the tensions between India and Nepal relations after later constructed a watch tower in Panthoka village which triggered a controversy. The watch tower was built to create an elevated observation point, which was believed to have been set up after China pushed Nepal to increase monitoring on the border, to keep a vigil on all the activities.

According to sources, Nepal has illegally acquired claim over the Indian territory near to Sariwasa river, which flows from Nepal and ultimately joins river Budhi Gandak near Sugauli. They said that Nepali troops encroached Indian region which is home to almost fifty people.

READ: Additional SSB forces deployed on India-Nepal border in Uttarakhand

Nepal and India border issues have flared up and both the nations are at loggerheads over the disputed land. There have many instances in the past where both the sides engaged in conflict, the most recent one being cartographic aggression.

Meanwhile, panic has gripped locals residing in the nearby villages and traders are upset as the border row may lead to uncertain future for their business. Locals alleged that Nepal govt and administration are creating troubles for them and they are living in constant fear.

To beef up the security, Nepal on Friday deployed additional troops along the India- Nepal border from Pithorgarh's Dharchula to Kalapani.

This comes amid tensions between Kathmandu and New Delhi over a new map in which the neighbouring country has staked claim over some Indian territories.