Nepal strengthens its borders on their side of international border.

Darshan Kunwar

Dehradun: Weeks after Nepal re-drew its highly controversial map showing Pithoragarh’s Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura located on this side of India-Nepal-China tri-junction in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district, as part of its territories. The neighbouring Himalayan country has for the first time, not only deployed hundreds of armed police force at different strategically significant  high altitude border outposts but also built a helipad on way to Lipulekh near Malpa, at the bank of Kali Nadi. Kali Nadi river that originates from Nepal, is yet another strategically important point as it divides India from Nepal.

According official sources, Nepal has deployed forces on over a dozen outposts. The way Nepal that seems to be acting allegedly at the behest of China, suddenly replaced Jawans of Nepal Prahari by Nepal Armed Police force as part of move to strengthen its border, is nothing but a part of preparedness for war with India,” said a senior ITBP officer.

What has raised eyebrows from India side is these border outposts and the bank of Kali Nadi river where forces have been deployed and helipad built, are on way to crucial Lipulekh on which Nepal has been staking its claim apart from Kalapani and Limpiyadhura on this side International border. “This clearly shows that Nepal that used to largely depend on India for different aids, is now trying to attack India reportedly at the behest of China”,said a 52-year old resident at Pithoragarh.

According to people aware of the matter, only two border outposts, at Chhangaru and Jhulaghat, which are located in Nepal’s Darchula and Baiteri districts respectively, exist permanently. “The remaining 13 border outposts, which are located in Nepal’s villages such as Dakot, Syanku, Brahamdeo, Khate Bagad, Kakada, Diknkchi, Ukku, Baku, Rautara and Balra, are set up temporarily,” said one of the persons, on the condition of anonimity.

“Nepal Government sudden decision to set up helipad at the bank of Kalinadi river is being seen as part of their full-fledged preparation for war  against India apparently with a motive to grab these high altitude Indian territories which we will not allow Nepal to do at any cost”, said a senior army officer at Pithoragarh’s Dharchula tehshil.

 He said the jawans, who are deployed at border outposts, continue patrolling on their side of the border regularly. Indian security forces are closely watching every development on the Nepalese side, said officials.

Meanwhile, a cross-section of people living on this side of India-Nepal-China tri-junction, have strongly criticized Nepal for acting at the behest of China. According to them, what has irked them against Nepal is the manner this country has been blatantly violating the Nepal’s Peace and friendship treaty signed in 1950. Nepal has a large number of close relatives this side of border and there is a century-old close cultural and friendship bond between two nations.

Most residents living along International border feel India should become economically and militarily strong to give fittest repose to such moves by China or its ally like Nepal.