'Open border poses growing security challenges'

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, July 25: Minister for Home Affairs Sudan Gurung has said that Nepal continues to face security and law enforcement challenges due to its open and porous border with India.

Addressing a meeting of the Federalism Empowerment and National Concerns Committee under the National Assembly at Singha Durbar, Minister Gurung said he frequently carried out surprise inspections to understand the problems faced by local people first-hand.

Minister Gurung said the open border had given rise to cross-border drug trafficking, with suspects often evading arrest by fleeing across the border.

"People living at the border points now recognise me because I visit the area regularly. I take the matter very seriously," Gurung claimed. "I make surprise visits without a security escort. People think the Home Minister has gone missing, but I am usually at the Ministry."

He said the inspections enable him to verify whether directives issued by the ministry are being implemented effectively and to identify shortcomings in border management.

"During surprise visits, I can witness the hardships faced by local people with my own eyes. That helps us return to the ministry and rectify weaknesses," he said. "We can identify where our shortcomings lie, how smuggling is taking place and the difficulties people are facing."

He also said the problems along the border require long-term solutions and stressed the importance of engaging directly with local communities.