KATHMANDU: The National Assembly’s Federalism Enablement and National Concerns Committee has directed the government to make Nepal’s border security system more effective, well-managed and technology-driven in response to emerging security challenges along the country’s frontiers with India and China.
The directive was issued during the committee’s meeting held at Singha Durbar on Friday.
Committee Chair Jayanti Devi Rai said the government has been instructed to strengthen security agencies by providing adequate manpower, resources, modern equipment and infrastructure. The committee also called for the establishment of sufficient Border Outposts (BOPs) at strategic locations to enhance border surveillance and overall security.
The committee further directed the government to review existing legal provisions governing border security and formulate new laws where necessary. It stressed the need to ensure that security agencies deployed along the border can effectively carry out crime control, patrol operations, surveillance, intelligence sharing and inter-agency coordination.
In addition, the committee instructed the government to expedite the development and implementation of a digital border management system.
The proposed integrated system is expected to facilitate data and information sharing among the Department of Immigration, Customs Department, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force Nepal and other relevant agencies.
According to the committee, the digital system is essential for strengthening efforts to combat drug trafficking, illegal arms and explosives smuggling, human trafficking, customs evasion, the illegal entry of foreign nationals, including Rohingya refugees, and other cross-border crimes.
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