Araria/Patna: Security has been ramped up along the India–Nepal border adjoining Bihar’s Araria district as protests against the Oli government in Kathmandu intensify, leaving 19 people dead. Police and paramilitary forces are closely monitoring movement across the open border, officials said on Tuesday.
The 85km-long border stretch in Araria has been placed under heightened vigilance, with alerts issued in Ghurna, Basmatia, Fulkaha, Jogbani, Kuadi and Sikti police station areas. Superintendent of Police Anjani Kumar said all border posts and SSB units had been directed to remain on “alert mode” and to scrutinise every entry from Nepal.
Authorities confirmed that borders in seven districts of Bihar — West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Araria, Supaul and Kishanganj — have been sealed. The SSB’s 56th and 52nd battalions are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance of the open border.
The clampdown follows widespread unrest in Nepal triggered by the government’s decision to ban 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Demonstrations led predominantly by young people have spread from Kathmandu to other cities, with security forces using live ammunition, tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds.
Amid the escalating violence, Nepal’s home minister, Ramesh Lekhak, resigned from his post. A curfew has been imposed in Kathmandu, restricting movement, public gatherings and demonstrations in four districts. A heavy deployment of the army has been made to prevent further clashes.
