Saptari, July 26
Nepal has stepped up security along Sunsari-Saptari border amid reports that terrorist organisations are plotting to attack the Koshi Barrage.
The move follows a letter from Indian authorities to Nepali counterparts that such organisations are targeting the barrage.
We have mobilised a joint team of Nepal Police and Armed Police Forces at the Koshi Barrage, SP Bhim Dhakal, chief of Saptari police, said. He said: We are subjecting each vehicle passing through the barrage to security checks and keeping a close watch on all things suspicious.
SP Dhakal said they upped security around the barrage after receiving a letter from Indian security officials regarding the threat to the barrage. We have prepared a security startegy by conducting a meeting of security committee, Dhakal said, adding: Security personnel are on alert in Saptari and Sunsari districts.
Baldev Gautam, chief district officer of Saptari, also said they have upped guard in view of the threat. Measures include ban on fishing close to the barrage and ban on collecting logs in the river.
According to a security source, DM of Supaul district, India, had written a letter to chief district officers of Sunsari and Saptari districts seeking security of the barrage, pointing that the barrage is one of the vital installations that Islamic terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Indian Mujahideen may target.
