On Friday, open firing by Nepal’s border force led to the death of one 22-year-old Indian civilian from Bihar. Further, two Indian civilians and three Nepali police officers were also injured, while a 45-year-old Indian, who was allegedly visiting his Nepali relative, was detained by Nepal’s Armed Force and has been released after interrogation.
The Nepali forces’ action was instigated by a local dispute after 30 Indians crossed over into Nepali territory. According to Kumar Rajesh Chandra, the Director-General of the Sashastra Seema Bal, the Indian forces that guard the border, the police fired 15 shots, 10 in the air, and five at the crowd. Consequently, the crowd hurled stones at the forces. A Nepali official said, “One of them even snatched the rifle from an APF personnel, and in the firing that followed, one person died instantly and six others, including three security personnel, sustained injuries.”
Cross-border movement in the region has only recently become an issue after the COVID-19 outbreak. This is the third such incident where the Nepali forces opened fire to disperse crowds. Due to the lockdowns imposed in the area, authorities in Nepal have strengthened their border security. Only those individuals whose details have been shared by the local administration are allowed to move across the border.
The incident occurred amidst the ongoing border dispute between India and Nepal. Nepal released a revised map claiming territories in Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpyadhura. Indian officials called this action “unilateral” and warned Nepal against “artificial enlargement” of its territory. On Saturday, in a move that is predicted to deepen the wounds of the deteriorating diplomatic relations, the lower house of the Nepali parliament, approved the revised map.
India-Nepal Border Dispute Coverage:
- Indian Army Chief Addresses Simmering Tensions with Nepal, China, and Pakistan
- Nepal Cabinet Approves New Map Showing Land Disputed With India as Nepali Territory
- The Lipulekh Pass Dispute: What Does India Have to Lose From Souring Relations With Nepal?
Indian authorities, however, downplayed the gun-firing incident, denying any relation to the ongoing border dispute. Director-General Chandra said that the situation is “normal”. He further said, “This is a completely local issue with no country-to-country or force-to-force ramifications. The issue arose on the spot, and the local police from either side are engaged with each other to sort the matter out. Our DIG is also in touch with DIG of Nepal APF, and there is absolutely no tension on the border.”
Image Source: SSB