Kathmandu steps up Susta security, Delhi seeks details

Nepal has bolstered its security presence in Susta, a settlement in Nawalparasi West situated across the Narayani River from India. This reinforcement has led to official inquiries from Indian authorities, according to Nepali officials.

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India has raised queries with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nepali Army on the purpose of General Yam Bahadur Adhikari’s visit to Susta. We consulted the army, which informed us that the team had visited the area to assess monsoon and disaster preparedness. We have conveyed the same response to India.

The Ministry of Home Affairs directed the District Administration Office in Nawalparasi to increase security and address local concerns. Consequently, the Armed Police Force (APF) troop strength in Susta rose from 25 to 40. This action was taken after Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel entered Nepali territory approximately six weeks prior and halted construction of an embankment by Nepal's Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.

Following the increased deployment, Indian officials sought clarification from Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nepali Army regarding the purpose of a visit by Major General Yam Bahadur Adhikari and his team. The Nepali Army spokesperson, Brigadier General Rajaram Basnet, clarified that the team's visit was part of a nationwide assessment of monsoon-induced disaster risks and mitigation measures, with no other objective.

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The Indian security forces asked who they were and what their purpose was. We were also unaware that a military team was visiting. We came to know about it only after the [Nepali Army] soldiers informed us following their encounter with the BSF.

Despite the Nepali Army's explanation, local security officials reported that BSF personnel questioned the plain-clothes army team upon their arrival. The district security official noted that they were also unaware of the military visit until after the encounter. The APF's increased presence aims to secure the embankment construction site, which was previously disrupted by Indian forces.

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The team had gone out to inspect monsoon and disaster risks. They may have visited the area during that deployment. There was no objective other than assessing monsoon risks and identifying mitigation measures to protect the population. There is no conflict in Susta; the focus is solely on disaster risk reduction.