KATHMANDU, May 8: In response to recent regional security concerns, the Armed Police Force (APF) of Nepal has significantly increased its security operations along the country’s border areas.
According to the APF, a total of 312 patrols and 1,844 checkpoints were conducted or set up within just 48 hours. These operations were carried out from the morning of May 6 through the morning of May 8.
Army conducts air patrols in sensitive areas of Rolpa and Rukum
During this period, the APF, in coordination with its Indian counterpart force – Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) -- conducted 84 joint patrols and 228 solo patrols. The joint patrols were carried out as follows: 20 on May 6, 16 on May 7, and 48 on May 8. Similarly, the APF conducted 89 solo patrols on May 6, 64 on May 7, and 75 on May 8.
Meanwhile, checkpoints were established at 1,844 locations in total—564 on May 6, 640 on May 7, and another 640 on May 8. To support this intensive border surveillance, more than 10,000 personnel under various APF battalion headquarters have been deployed.
The battalion headquarters involved include: No. 1 Baraha Battalion (Sunsari), No. 2 Chhinnamasta Battalion (Mahottari), No. 3 Gadhimai Battalion (Makwanpur), No. 4 Muktinath Battalion (Kaski), No. 5 Bindhyabasini Battalion (Rupandehi) and No. 7 Baidyanath Battalion (Kailali).
The APF reports that patrols and checkpoint operations along the border are ongoing. Coordination has also been strengthened with the Nepal Police, the National Investigation Department, local representatives and the general public to share intelligence and tighten oversight of cross-border movements.
However, the APF has clarified that these efforts are not intended to disrupt traditional cross-border movement between Nepal and India. Rather, steps are being taken to ensure these activities remain smooth and unhindered for local communities.
In addition to border areas, the APF has also intensified surveillance in urban areas, particularly in locations identified as sensitive or at higher security risk.
