Joint security patrol steps up monitoring along Bajhang’s northern border

A joint patrol of the Nepali Army and Armed Police Force recently completed an eight-day operation along the Nepal-China border in Bajhang district. The mission focused on monitoring illegal cross-border activities and addressing concerns raised by local residents.

The patrol traversed areas like Urai Bhanjyang, historically linked to smuggling, and reached Border Pillar No. 2 at an altitude of 5,220 meters. Security personnel engaged with villagers and local representatives in Saipal Rural Municipality, discussing border community issues and conducting an anti-drug awareness program at Dhuli Secondary School.

“

We are working to facilitate a meeting with our counterparts across the border to discuss these concerns.

During the patrol, locals voiced grievances about tightened Chinese restrictions disrupting traditional grazing, cross-border trade, and religious practices. Specifically, they cited difficulties in accessing Lake Mansarovar for ancestral deity worship and challenges with herding livestock in Tibetan pastures due to repeated restrictions and alleged mistreatment by Chinese security forces.

Despite bilateral agreements recognizing border residents' rights for traditional activities, the lack of regular dialogue has hindered resolutions. The district administration has repeatedly raised these concerns with Chinese border authorities, seeking a way to restore traditional practices and ease tensions along the shared border.

“

Bilateral agreements between Nepal and China recognise the rights of border residents to continue traditional activities, including pilgrimages and grazing.