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🇳🇵 Nepal /Culture & Society

SSB personnel dismantle temporary embankment in Susta, triggering local protest

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Indian security personnel dismantled a temporary embankment built by locals in Nepal's Susta to protect against river flooding.
  • Residents accused plainclothes SSB personnel of removing the structure, leading to a dispute after Indian authorities had previously halted permanent embankment construction.
  • Local officials intervened, and a meeting is scheduled to address the escalating tensions between residents and Indian security forces.

Residents of Susta in Nepal's Nawalparasi West district have accused India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) of dismantling a temporary embankment they built to protect their homes from the Narayani river. The incident occurred Sunday afternoon in Tharutol, Susta Rural Municipality-5, when plainclothes SSB personnel allegedly removed the makeshift earthen dyke.

Rabindra Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Susta Bachau Abhiyan, stated that the community constructed the barrier after Indian authorities blocked the building of a permanent embankment. Tensions flared when locals objected to the dismantling of their protective structure. Videos shared on social media showed security personnel digging up the embankment, prompting Nepal's security forces to step in.

Tensions rose after the plainclothes personnel began removing the structure and locals objected.

— Rabindra JaiswalSpokesperson for the Susta Bachau Abhiyan, explaining the escalation of the dispute.

Dipak Raj Nepal, chief district officer of Nawalparasi West, confirmed the incident involved Indian security personnel inquiring about the embankment. He noted a brief verbal dispute arose when locals objected to their presence. A meeting between residents and security officials is planned for Monday to resolve the issue. This dispute follows a previous incident where SSB personnel entered Nepali territory to halt construction on a 132-meter section of the permanent embankment project, leading to increased security presence in the border settlement.

Locals objected to their presence, leading to a brief verbal dispute.

— Dipak Raj NepalChief district officer of Nawalparasi West, describing the confrontation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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