Kathmandu, November 23
The local administrations in eastern Nepal have heightened surveillance at the border crossings of three districts linked to India. The Provincial Police Office in Biratnagar reported that increased vigilance measures have been implemented in the border regions of Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari.
Despite the postponement of religious gatherings by the Muslim community, the police intensified border monitoring due to a continued influx of people from India to Nepal for the purpose of these meetings. Authorities are actively redirecting individuals attempting to enter Nepal for religious events as part of their efforts to maintain control and prevent potential public health risks.
Morang Police Spokesperson, DSP Ranjan Kumar Dahal, reported that individuals arriving from India for a religious gathering are being sent back through the Rani border crossing.
A religious gathering of the Muslim community was scheduled to take place in Sunsari from November 21 to 23 and in Duhavi from November 23 to 25. Preparations were complete but the local administration did not give permission to hold such gatherings fearing communal tensions.
Koshi Member of Parliament and Muslim leader, Israel Mansuri, said that the assembly was deferred in light of the prevailing situation in the country and at the request of the administration. She mentioned that some religious leaders from abroad had arrived for the meeting, and with its postponement, these leaders would be returning.
Police sources indicated that a delegation of 15 individuals from Pakistan and another team of eight from Bangladesh had come to Nepal for the religious assembly.
