Patna: Security agencies in Bihar have intensified surveillance along the Indo-Nepal border after intelligence inputs warned of possible infiltration attempts by terrorists linked to radical outfits from Pakistan and Bangladesh. The threat has placed border districts including Kishanganj, Supaul, Araria, Madhubani, and Sitamarhi under heightened alert.
According to intelligence sources, over 10 suspected terrorists associated with extremist groups like Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami, and Jamaat-e-Islami are attempting to enter Bihar through Thakurganj in Kishanganj district. The inputs have triggered a massive response from security forces, who have ramped up patrols and initiated intensive checking across key transit points.
Supaul SP Shaishav Yadav confirmed that inputs were received just days ago regarding potential infiltration. “We have increased patrolling, especially from 8 pm to 8 am, and surveillance has been enhanced in Diara and riverine areas like Bhimnagar and Veerpur,” he said. Surprise inspections and increased vigilance at border outposts have also been ordered.
Identifying sleeper cells remains a major challenge
Both Supaul and Kishanganj police officials have acknowledged the difficulty in identifying sleeper cell members, who often live under deep cover among civilians. “They blend into society, lead normal lives, and strike when instructed. Tracking them without specific leads is extremely challenging,” said Kishanganj SP Sagar Kumar.
Plainclothes officers have been deployed at bus stands, railway stations, religious places, and other public venues across border districts. Fingerprinting and retina scans have also been initiated in select villages close to the border.
Nepal reassures India of cooperation
Amid the escalating alert, Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli reaffirmed that Nepalese territory will not be allowed to be used for any anti-India activities. However, concerns persist over reported ISI and extremist group movements in the region.
Operation Sindoor backdrop adds urgency
The alert comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s recent military operation targeting terrorist hideouts across the border, following the Pahalgam terror attack. With tensions still high, the Indo-Nepal border—spanning 1,751 km—remains under close watch by both Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Bihar Police.
Administrative officials have appealed to the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activity immediately. Authorities consider the 10 km open border zone especially vulnerable, and have launched a coordinated effort to secure every entry point.
Nationwide crackdown on terror continues
In a related development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested two ISIS-linked operatives—Abdullah Fayaz Sheikh and Talha Khan—at Mumbai airport. The duo, wanted in the 2023 Pune IED case, had been hiding in Jakarta and were detained upon arrival in India.
