SSB instructions on foreigners crossing border bridges to Nepal
SSB instructions on foreigners crossing border bridges to Nepal
B.D. Kasniyal
Pithoragarh, March 11
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the para-military force manning the Indo-Nepal border have requested the traders of Jhoolaghat market to report any foreigners intending to cross over to Nepal from the border bridge. The force asked the traders that if any foreign tourists or other than tourist reports to hotels, homes or home stays of the market and intends to cross over to Nepal from border bridge, it may be immediately informed to the force as no citizen from any third country other than India and Nepal can cross over to Nepal or India without valid documents.
“We have requested the traders of both side of border to inform us if any foreigner reached in their contact with an intention to cross over to the other country,” said Gyan Singh Maratha, Assistant Commandant of SSB.
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) or SSB is the para military forces that guards 1850 km long Indo-Nepal border spread along Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, UP and Uttarakhand.
“To prevent activities of smugglers, criminals, and human traffickers, we have also made it mandatory to produce identities cards even for the citizens who cross over the bridge for business purposes,” said the SSB officer
The SSB officer said that his personal have always remained alert to prevent illegal activities through river Kali which forms the border with Nepal in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.”We have kept extra alert during winter months, when the smugglers try to cross the border river Kali due to reduced water flow ,” said the SSB officer
The president of Jhoolaghat unit of Udhyog Vyapar Mandal Deepak Isarwal, said that the border bridge between remained opened without any hindrance as it promotes not only trade between two countries but also shares relation of ‘Roti and Beti” between the two societies.”As we have lost a big chunk of clients from Nepal due to opening of several markets inside far western Nepal and linking of western Nepal with terai region of Nepal by road network in recent years, we want the bridge at Jhoolaghat to be friendly enough for Nepali clients to enter into our market,” said Pramod Kumar Bhatt, secretary of the traders body.
