Security system
The Himalayan Times
7 November 2019
Security
system
Nepal was and is still fortunate
not to have witnessed any unwanted and heinous crimes carried out by any
individual and or groups claiming to be separatists and terrorists. It shares
approximately 1900-Km open border with its southern neighbour, India. Some of
these border areas get closed for certain days during elections. Otherwise, people
of these two countries cross these border areas without any hindrances. Both
countries have been benefitting from this open boarder.
Now, a serious concern has been raised by the
US Department of State in its recently published Country Report on
Terrorism-2018 “US cautions against IM activities in Nepal” (THT, November 6,
Page 1). It has outlined a number of security issues and concerns regarding
this open border situation with India and weak security mechanism in Nepal. The
report reads that due to the open border with India and insufficient security
protocols at the country’s sole international airport in Kathmandu, Nepal has
been, and could continue to be, used as a transit or staging point for
international terrorists, including the Indian Mujahideen (IM). It also states,
among others, that the primary constraint preventing more robust border-control
capability is lack of resources. The security services lack personnel,
technology, databases, basic equipment to provide effective border control.
It has further stated that
airport security controls in Nepal are weak and inadequate. TIA does not
pre-screen passengers and landing data are not entered into any database.
Physical security checks of passengers are rudimentary. The airport even lacks
ultraviolet light to examine documents. Having known from this report about all
these drawbacks and flaws in our existing national security system, I am very
nervous and have become more concerned about the future of my nation and its
people.
Rai
Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj
