Madhubani: India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Nepal’s Armed Police Force (APF) agreed to intensify joint patrols, operations, intelligence sharing and border surveillance to curb cross-border crimes during a coordination meeting held on Thursday in the No Man’s Land area of the Pipraun (India)-Jatahi (Nepal) TTR.The meeting, held under the operational jurisdiction of 48th battalion SSB, Jaynagar, focused on strengthening border security and coordination and preventing cross-border crimes.The two sides agreed to strengthen efforts against trafficking of narcotics, Nepalese liquor, human trafficking and other prohibited items. With the festive season approaching, they decided to enhance real-time intelligence sharing and border surveillance.They also discussed repair, maintenance and construction of border pillars in accordance with the directions of the 6th Border Working Group (BWG) and 12th and 13th SOC meetings. Both sides agreed to provide necessary cooperation for the work.Consensus was also reached on increasing joint patrols and operations in No Man’s Land to check illegal crossings and uphold the sanctity and integrity of the international border. In cases of encroachment or illegal cultivation, necessary joint action will be taken after mutual coordination and on-site verification.SSB raised concerns over Thuraya satellite phone users and other suspicious individuals operating around Janakpur, Nepal. APF Nepal assured strict monitoring and real-time sharing of information.Narayan Dutt Paudel, inspector general, APF Nepal, appreciated India’s rescue and rehabilitation efforts during the Bhotekoshi River floods and thanked India for its timely assistance. He also requested that his best wishes be conveyed to the director general of SSB and other senior officers.The meeting was attended by senior officers from both forces, including Rajendra Kumar, commandant, 48th Battalion SSB, Jaynagar, and Paudel, along with other officers from APF Nepal.
