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Dilemma of Border Security along India- Nepal Border:

Observations in Nepalganj (Nepal):

Vinod K. Bhardwaj

Lecturer (Associate professor scale),

Govt. PG College, Baran, Rajasthan

Abstract:

India–Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty (1950) is the soul of the open international border

between the two neighbours. This border is being guarded by paramilitary forces- Sashastra

Seema Bal (SSB) to Indian side and the Armed Police Force (Nepal) to Nepalese side. Despite

4-5 visible layers of the border security agencies to either side, the border is not being very

efficiently guarded to keep all threats away and ensuring the countries secure. Besides, despite

the presence of the paramilitary forces, customs, border police, intelligence and other vigilance

agencies, a lot illegal activities are going on in this border area. The agencies are abided with

the rules and regulations but dilemma of performing their mandatory duties is important to

know, whether the countries are really secure ?; who is gainer through this border ?; who is at

high risk ?. Observing this border, repeatedly at different times, it appears that there is need to

review the ongoing border security practices on one hand; and adopting joint vigilance and

customs’ practices honestly to ensure mutual security, easy and hassle free access across this

border on the other hand. Of course the imposition of any restriction will not be viable solution

as the societies have closer social bonding and so frequent and free cross border movement is

the need of people. Being closer to Lucknow, the state capital of Uttar Pradesh, this route is

frequently used by Nepalese to reach destinations in India, and also to avail medical and

educational facilities herein. It is one of the busiest routes for trade and people’s movement

between India and Nepal. This border point needs to be put under strict vigilance and

surveillance to have close watch on cross border movements, trade and various other activities

there in the border area.

Keywords: India–Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty (1950), terai, international migration, border security,

unorganized trade, mafia-ism, customs’ operations,

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Background:

International borders have become a great concern to citizens, governments and non-party

countries. The borders have been drawn mainly to isolate lands, to clearly define the limits to

exercise powers followed by restricting people’s movement as well. Sometimes it was felt the

only solution to restore peace and prosperity between two neighbouring countries, ignoring

lands’ conflict. Not only the South Asian countries but other countries in the world also have

border conflicts. There are 47 enlisted territorial disputes in African continent, 57 in Asia and

the Pacific region, 22 in Europe, 2 in North America, 7 between Canada and the United States,

8 in Central America and the Caribbean region and 11 in South America. Therefore there is a

high number of territorial disputes than the number of borders in the continents. Contrarily,

there are examples of entertaining borderless practices for movement of regional people and

goods within region as in case of European Union (EU), and individual agreements as being

practiced between US- Canada, US- Mexico, India – Nepal etc. Now with growing technology

based development, there are demand based economies, emerging across the world, needing fast

delivery throughout. Generation of demand at a corner of the globe, needs fast response and

supply to get satisfied. This emerging attitude needs to ease borders, if not abolished.

Particularly, there is demand to ease VISA rules to make the people’s movement easier with no

borders’ barriers. The developing countries, like the South Asians, are becoming the origin

places of skilled man power; whereas the developed countries are becoming the destination

centers, needing cheap and dedicated man power, to cut down production cost on one hand and

bearing less risk factor on the other hand. Therefore there is brain drain of skilled and trained

man power at large scale from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to East and West

destinations; followed by semi skilled and unskilled labours from India, Nepal, Pakistan,

Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan to same destinations from the South Asia.

Looking upon necessity of borders and constraints due to their existence, a situation of

dilemma has been emerging. There is a group of mid set who advocates the opening up of

borders for easy movement of people and trade; contrarily there is another concern of people

and they fear for security if such happens. Especially, none of the governments’ favour

borderless model, neither in South Asia nor elsewhere. Discussing EU model of borders, it is

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un-replicable elsewhere in the world due to its own specificities. While discuss about borders, a

few questions emerges-

1. Whether open border is the ultimate solution to ensure easy transit across the borders?

2. Whether the concerned parties are transparent and honest to maintain the soul of the

open borders ?

3. Whether the limitations of restricted borders are being obeyed and there is no harm to

any of the concerned parties through the restricted borders ?

4. Whether the opening up of borders is also demanded/ consented by the respective

governments ?

5. Whether the open border between India and Nepal is safe, secure and serving as of its

soul ?

6. Whether security concerned argument, opposing opening up of borders, has its genuine-

ness ?

Taking the above considerations in mind, the present study, which is based on filed

observations and discussions, is made to evaluate the ongoing security management practices

along the India- Nepal border. Although the survey has been made in 12 localities, beginning

from Darchula in the west and till Psahupatinagar in the east, covering hills, mountains and terai

regions of Nepal; 5 Development Regions in Nepal and 5 states in India. However for

convenience of sharing the practices along an individual border point, this work is presented in

context of Nepalganj- Rupaidiha border point along India – Nepal border. The basic itnetion to

make this study is to assess the border security practices, cross border movements and control

measures. Besides, highlighting the prime issues therein is also a major concern.

The India- Nepal open international border is more unguarded border along its maximum

distance except along entry points and sub posts. It is being guarded by both countries with full

trust, ensuring mutual security on one hand, and permitting hassle free trade and transit of

human beings under legal provisions, as committed by both parties- India and Nepal, in the

treaty of 1950. India, being a larger state in size, has more implications of this border in all

contexts- social, economic, political and security as compared with Nepal. The India- Nepal

open international border is the link to strengthen mutual relationship between Indian and

Nepalese societies. This border is serving the needs of both sides by making easy access to

either side. The soul of the India–Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty (1950) ensures to keep this

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border open till either of the beneficiaries disagrees. The international border is the only open

border in South Asia. A debate on opening up of the international borders and also making

hassle free border movement, across other South Asian borders with India, is being demanded

by people. Contrarily, the arguments at governments’ levels are more security concerned,

ignoring or less caring such demands.

Nepal: An introduction

Nepal is a landlocked country situated on the north-north-east of India along the

southern slope of the Himalayan Mountains. Nepal lies between 800 4' East to 88

0 12' East

longitudes and 26022' North to 30

027' North latitudes

1. It is surrounded by Tibet (the

autonomous region of China) in the north; and India in the south, east and west. The total

geographical area of Nepal is 1,47,181 lakh square Km; the average length and breadth are 885

Km (east to west) and 193 Km (north to south) respectively2. The country is divided into three

distinct physiographic regions- mountains, hills and terai. The terai of Nepal occupies about

23.1 percent the total geographical area of Nepal; whereas mountains and hills occupy 35.2 and

41.7 percent respectively3. Most of its international border (i.e. 1,751 Km)

4 is shared by India

only; and it is open border (See Map- 1).

Nepal, from administrative point of view, is divided into 5 development regions, 14

administrative zones and 75 districts; out of these 75 districts, 26 districts lie along the India-

Nepal border; sharing border with Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim states in

India. Furthermore, the country is divided into 3915 Village Development Committees (VDCs)

and 58 Municipalities5.

Nepal has a population of 2,64,94,504 (Census 2011). It is a country having asymmetric

distribution of population as its more than a half of population (50.27 percent) is confined in

about one-fifth geographical area i.e. terai. The 43.01 percent people live in the hills whereas

only 6.73 percent belongs to the mountainous region6. Remarkably, there were 7,62,181 citizens

of Nepal, living outside (emigrated) in the year 2001, which has grown to 19,21,494 citizens

(7.25 percent of the total population) in the year 20117. Majority of emigrants belong to hills

(51.6 percent) followed by terai (42.9 percent)8. The highest age-wise proportion of absentees

belongs to 15-24 years9

which seems to be economic migrants.

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Considering religious structure of population, it is found that Hinduism is followed by a

majority of population (81.3 percent), followed by Buddhism (9.0 percent), Islam (4.4 percent),

Kirat (3.1 percent) and Christianity (1.4 percent)10

. So far as caste / ethnic groups in Nepal are

concerned, a total about 125 caste /ethnic groups are reported in Nepal in the census 2011.

Chhetri is the largest caste /ethnic groups in Nepal having 16.6 percent out of the total

population followed by Brahman-Hill (12.2 percent), Magar (7.1 percent), Tharu (6.6 percent),

Tamang (5.8 percent), Newar (5.0 percent), Kami (4.8 percent), Musalman (4.4 percent), Yadav

(4.0 percent) and Rai (2.3 percent)11

.

The Nepalganj – Rupiadiha border point:

This border point is on the way from Lucknow to Nepalganj (the district headquarters of

district Banke –Nepal; and an important trade centre in mid western Nepal) through the NH-27.

Basically, Rupaidiha is a town at the border, and Jamunah is another locality, across the border

in Nepal side. Nepalganj is at a distance of 6 Km from this border point (Rupidiha - Jamunah).

Rupaidiha town lies in the district Bahraich in U.P. state in India and it is at an approximate

distance of 200 Km, well connected with road, and through railways in nearby town (Nepalganj

road railway station). There is hardly any discrimination between India and Nepal if there is no

entrance gate / barrier at the border point. Even the no-man’s land is encroached by both India

and Nepal side people. Both Rupaidiha and Nepalganj are well connected through local public

transport and even the personal vehicles – car, jeep, motorcycles etc. are allowed to move till a

limited distance from the border point. Hence movement of Nepali registered vehicles in Indian

side and that of Indian registered vehicle in Nepal are commonly seen, which is a facility as

well a problem. Facility to the borderers who frequently move cross the border for their

personal purposes or purchasing etc.; whereas the problem is top the security agencies because

criminals can also use such vehicles to commit crimes to the other side of the border, especially

for human trafficking and smuggling purposes. Despite Rupaidiha is a smaller locality than

Nepalganj, it (Rupaidiha) serves as local market to Nepalese for their domestic needs and also a

small trading centre to Nepal. The source of livelihood of this locality is based on market,

transport and small hotel business.

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The border is guarded by four folded border security & management agencies to either

side of this border including the Sharshra Seema Bal (SSB) in India and the Armed Police Force

(APF) in Nepal as paramilitary forces, deployed along this border.

Population agglomeration to both sides of this border point is high as Bahraich,

Nanpara, Babaganj in India side whereas Jamunah, Nepalganj and Kohalpur etc are towns,

having concentrated population, mostly having cross border connections due to social,

economic, political and religious point of view. Even few respondents silently acknowledged

that there is sufficient number of people living to both sides of this border, and have dual

citizenship certificates. This kind of practice is to attain dual benefits from both India and Nepal

and to have political intervention / support in both countries.

Unorganized smuggling is enough notable along this border point where teenagers are

involved to carry sugar, rice, millets, kerosene, fertilizers etc. The carriers go through this

border with silent consent of the security agencies of both India and Nepal; which reflects to

continue other evils including trafficking of human beings.

There are schools and Intermediate College in Rupaidiha where Nepalese students also join for

their studies. Besides, people also come across this border in India for medical and health

facilities in nearby towns and also reach to Lucknow, Gorakhpur and other cities for advance

treatments of furious diseases. Thus, a large number commuters (about 8-9 thousand) cross this

border point daily.

Border security practices along this point:

There are some certain border security agencies, deployed to guard this border. The

Sharshra Seema Bal (SSB), Indian customs, immigration, police and intelligence agencies to

Indian side; and Armed Police Force (APF), Bhansar (Nepali customs), immigration, police and

intelligence to Nepal sides. Besides, almost every border point in Nepal is under observation of

INGOs / NGOs like Miety Nepal, Tiny Hands-Nepal and KI-Nepal to have an eye watch for

suspected human trafficking cross border movement from Nepal to India. The people, who

move across this border, are expected to be checked and thereafter permitted to enter in India or

Nepal; but the practices in routine is to check a few, who seems to be suspected, and rest are

not even asked about their identity. Contrarily, most of the greengrocers, labours and other such

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persons who carry something to sell to the other side for their livelihood, are harassed in the

name of checking, and they are literarily ‘looted’ by both sides agencies, especially by customs

and police. This border point has reflections of all good and bad border security practices and

management. Not only this, the young couples, who move from Nepal to India are interrogated /

scanned very minutely, which sometimes look very harassing to these movers. The same couple

is sometimes interrogated by difference INGOs/ NGOs which further become intolerable.

Despite this ‘so called tight vigilance / scanning’ by INGOs / NGOs, victims are rescued in

India, which questions the mechanism of entire border security service agencies, including

INGOs / NGOs.

Getting information from police and other respondents, the victims who were stopped at

border or rescued in India, did not belong to Nepalganj or nearby localities, even none of them

was from the terai. They mostly came from hills and mountains, especially from the districts –

Surkhet, Rolpa, Dolpa, Jumla, Acham, Dailekh, Jajarkot etc. Victims, stopped at border, were

repatriated to their families with minor formalities without following the legal procedures of

repatriation. This practice of repatriation, decided at the INGOs / NGOs level is a mal practice

which does not guaranty to prohibit further engagement of the same victims, crossing the border

through some other point. Besides, this information of ‘stop at border’ is such complicated that

it does not match with the figures, finally available with the department of social welfare, Govt.

of Nepal. This miss-match reflects non sincerity of these non government agencies as well.

Otherwise also, the border is un-fnced and porous therefore it is not necessary to pass across

this border through the border posts, like this Nepalganj- Rupaidiha. There are no sufficient and

effective measures of security to prohibit cross border crimes. Even the change in routes,

followed by traffickers is also mentioned by some of respondents. It is observed at this border

point that the Indian police provide help to its counterpart agency and INGOs/ NGOs when

demanded. Something self-initiated raids are also made by Indian police. Victims were rescued

by Indian police and handed over to Nepal’s police, which forwarded such cases to INGOs /

NGOs as there is no facility to have female victims during transit period. Such cases are shown

as the recovery by the INGOs/ NGOs, making their own progress to seek funds / donations.

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The Mal-practices along the border:

The border point is known for open unorganized trade across the border. Cycle is the best

mode for unorganized trade across the border. Teenage children have been deployed by the

racketeers to carry bags, full of sugar, rice, millets and other restricted items. There is a

relaxation on humanitarian ground to the local residents to carry a small quantity for personal

purpose. But this humanitarian basis concession has led to boom this illegal business across this

border point. Of course the same story is happening along almost every border point but here it

is more prominent and at a large scale. While discussing this issue with SSB, police and

customs there in Indian side, the answer is so pity that ‘they are carrying for their personal

needs’. But continuing discussions about legal provisions and their duties, they (the above

respondents) become silent or no response, which shows that how the Indian security and

border management agencies are sincere about their duties along the border. While the same is

discussed with the Nepalese counterparts, the reply is very expected that “nothing illegal

happening here”. But how the border security agencies and the management agencies are

responsible to both sides is proved by this that same teenage boys are carrying 25- 40 kg full

bags of sugar, repeatedly almost about 20-23 times in a day, crossing the border, where other

adults wait and they take off the bags and hand over empty bags to same carriers. There are

families, engaged in this business including children and females. About 13- 15 boys were seen

indulged in this business, excluding few adult males. Females are engaged along countryside

routes, carrying same restricted items on cycle to sale in nearby Nepalese town. Miraculously,

the collection centre of sugar and rice is just behind the Bhansar (Nepalese Customs’ post) at

the border. It’s all openly happening in Nepal, which is obviously with the consent of local

administration and the government. Figure 1 to 3 shows how the illegal activities are going on

there in the area. Surprisingly, the carriers are passing through the border post where all four

security and border management agencies are having 24 hours eye watch. Often, the press

highlights some cases which are hardly taken in to care by the police and SSB. The trapping of

illegal carriers and smugglers is a rare activity where is it is an often activity along this border;

especially the illegal transfer of restricted and prohibited items from India to Nepal through

teenagers and female as an unorganized activities are daily scene here at the border. India is

helpless to stop, reason may be any, and Nepal is silent being beneficery through this illegal

trade.

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Figure - 1

Illegal trade along India- Nepal Border: Transferring sugar between Rupaidiha -Jamunah

Illegal transfer / Carrying of restricted goods from India to Nepal at Nepalganj: Crossing Rupaidiaha- Jamunah locality

↑(Photo Self taken during the survey 2011- 13)

Illegal transfer / Carrying of restricted goods from India to Nepal by teenager’s: Rupaidiha- Jamunah (Nepalganj) ↑

(Photo Self taken during the survey 2011- 13)

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Figure - 2

Illegal trade along India- Nepal Border: Trading activities just aside Bhansar (Customs’ office)

(Photo Self taken during the survey 2011- 13)

These illegally transferred goods are collected just behind the Bhansar post/ office;

wherefrom it is channelized by fake bills or some other forged methods and the customs’

clearance office of Nepal, which is located at a distance of 500 meters from the border, legalize

this illegally traded material by making customs’ clearance. The goods are thereafter

transferred in Nepal. The sites of collection and loading of sugar and other materials are shown

in Figure- 2. Miraculously, every agency and Government is silent on this issue. Is this the real

follow of the soul of mutual trade agreement and the treaty of peace and friendship between

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India and Nepal. Besides, the countryside routes are very frequent and comfortable for illegal

trading therein..

Figure - 3

Illegal trade along India- Nepal Border: Illegal Trading through countryside routes

Illegal transfer / Carrying of restricted goods from India to Nepal through countryside routes along Maina Pokhar –

Balai Gaon border point (Male Carrier) ↑(Photo Self taken during the survey 2011- 13)

Illegal transfer / Carrying of restricted goods from India to Nepal through countryside routes along Maina Pokhar –

Balai Gaon border point (Female Carrier) ↑ (Photo Self taken during the survey 2011- 13)

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The kuchha route between Balaigaon- Maina Pokhar is also being used for the same

purpose. Now the question is that ‘ Who is responsible more, India or Nepal ?’ It’s a giant issue

which is to be addressed by both countries as a friendly partner in this border relationship.

Smuggling of drugs, Charas and Ganja are also reported through this border. The SSB also

trapped some females, carrying these prohibited drugs from Nepal to India, hiding inside their

undergarments.

Figure - 4

Illegal trade along India- Nepal Border: Smuggling case, arrested by SSB at Rupaidiha point

Girls/ women, smuggling drugs, trapped by the SSB on Nepalganj- Rupaidiha border ↑ (Photo by Press)

Woman, smuggling drugs, trapped by the SSB on Nepalganj- Rupaidiha border ↑ (Photo by Press)

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The border is highly defamed for human trafficking. There were cases, trapped by Nepal

police in Nepalganj, and also by Indian police in Nepalganj Road, Babaganj, Nanpara and other

nearby localities. There are INGOs/ NGOs, working near border to prohibit human trafficking,

but still the activity is high along this border. There are off routes to cross this border.

Otherwise also, being highly crowded to both sides and crossed by a high number of people

daily, for domestic and commercial purchasing from India, it is difficult to trace / entrap the

movement of culprits/ racketeers. Therefore this border point is safe and easy to cross.

Figure – 4

Efforts for prohibiting Human Trafficking along India- Nepal border at Nepalganj

1. The interrogation by an INGO’s representatives with a visitor; 2. An eye watch by an another INGO’s representative on the border movement;

3. interrogation by border police and INGOs’ people in front of a police post at the Border (to Nepal side); 4. Movement crossing the border.

(Photo self taken during the survey 2011-13)

5 INGOs/ NGOs have established their posts at this border point. They are trying best to

enquire and to stop suspects at the border post; and repatriate the suspects to their wards. But

the functioning of these people (INGOs/ NGOs’ representatives) is immature and imperfect.

that is why smart racketeers and girls/ females escape through this border, even despite the

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presence of these anti-human trafficking activists and border police. The border police is rarely

active, and over confident upon the INGOs/ NGOs to prohibit human trafficking. This route is

used to disseminate victims to Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra and Delhi, as reported by some INGOs’

representatives, which they came across from rehabilitated victims. There is no effective control

for stopping trafficking on both sides to the border in India and Nepal. The Customs, Police and

INGOs are making efforts to control human trafficking at this border point. Although there is a

police station and check post at the exit / entrance of this border in Nepal side, but the main

interest of security staff is to check luggage rather than concentrating upon movements of

people and their motives for crossing over this border. The police is not interested to check

trafficking whole heartedly. Sometimes the police and INGOs interrogate people at several

places, by which people feel disturbed and unnecessary harassed. Besides, the role of police

appears to be more ignorant rather than suggestive. The Indian police is quite clear in the name

of prohibiting this evil; it becomes active only if gets communication from Nepal police. No self

initiation is taken by Indian police to control this cross border crime, for which India is equally

blamed to flourish it. Contrarily, it is not the matter of Nepalese victims only; a few Indian

victims, who were lured and brought to Nepal, were also noticed. Therefore hidden

determination of both border police ‘not to self initiate’ in such case is more helping the

criminals, and the sufferers are both India and Nepal.

The INGOs / NGOs keep engaged in ‘border watch’ during day hours, i.e. from 7 am to 6

pm, which is known to every frequent cross border visitor, especially to the criminals.

Movements, after the INGOs/ NGOs hours, are taken into care by border police and security

agencies, which hardly seems to be sincerely concerned, except some occasional incidents to

keep them alive in media reports. The information generated by INGOs/ NGOs is not shared

exactly by them with the governments; hence it creates some suspicion on their functioning

behavior. They are very cautious and reserved even while meeting with visitors. The media also

does not play an effective role to prohibit illegal affaires along the border, by exposing issues

and under currents. There are 7-8 news papers’ correspondents here in this locality, but hardly

any big coverage about border’s mal practices.

There is a serious issue of dual citizenship in this border area. As reported by some

respondents, there are many people who have acquired citizenship of both India and Nepal. It’s

a threat to both countries as the fake citizenship may be misused against nation on one hand;

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adding unnecessary load of population and effecting public delivery system adversely on the

other hand. Besides, it encourages criminal activities in the border area. On discussing about the

issue of dual citizenship holders, although the exact number can’t be spelled out, however it is

fairly high.

There are issues related with customs’ checking system and their behaviour. Customs’

checking system is corrupt to both sides. They seem to harass people rather than working

abiding with laws. Therefore there is a poor image of both sided customs’ among the people to

both sides. Bribe and forced extraction of money from grocers, petty businessmen, and daily

commuters. Contrarily, there is no control over criminals, mafias, smugglers and illegal traders.

Troubling people in the name of Indian currency notes of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 which are

banned in Nepal, as well as in border area, is a serious issue here in this border point as well. Of

course it is punishable if these currency notes are found with someone; but are they serious to

control it. There are currency brokers just at the border, who carry these notes openly, but it is

hardly the concern of the border management and security agencies, neither in India nor in

Nepal.

Conclusion:

The border between India and Nepal is a life line to the borderers and countryside

people in both countries. There is large dependency of people for their daily, domestic and

personal needs, even for social, cultural, health, educational and economic needs. Therefore the

nature and existence of this border is not questioned anyway; but the security and management

techniques are arbitrary and needs through revision to make them sensitive and meaningful. The

security agencies to both sides are needed to be more alert, sincere and defensive rather than

behaving like police. The unorganized illegal trade in presence of the SSB put a question mark

on this security service. This has to change its image and function more vigilantly. The

customs’ behaviour must be more transparent and law abiding rather than an agency for ‘Hafta

Basooli’. Both of these agencies are to be watched under a joint vigilance agency to make them

effective, transparent and honest.

Nepal has to be honest and prohibit illegal trading across this border firmly. What is

happening there at the border is more with consent of Nepalese agencies and supported by

Indian agencies due to any reason. It’s a revenue loss to both countries on one hand; and a

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question on success of ‘Open Borders’ on the other hand. Besides, it is encouraging crimes and

criminals therein. Therefore joint vigilance can help to some extent to control over these

problems. The border security and management staff is to be keep on changing at an interval of

3 months; and kept watched over by further vigilance to prohibit unfair practices. Besides,

cameras can be installed to observe and record border crossing movements to strengthen

vigilance along this border point, and also elsewhere. A survey by security and intelligence

agencies can help to know the magnitude of dual citizenship holders. Strategies to seize the

unfair card may be adopted accordingly.

Nepal’s INGOs / NGOs must focus upon public awareness more rather than getting

engaged more on the cross border movement. There is no remedy of the problems at grass root

level about social, economic and other such constraints, enabling people to become victims of

such cruelty. People in rural areas are far ignorant about all what is happing with their wards

outside Nepal. Vigilance along the border by INGOs / NGOs can also be made but their

engagement to aware rural mass can help Nepal more to overcome this problem.

Acknowledgement: The financial support from the Indian Council of Social Science & Research (ICSSR), New

Delhi is acknowledged under the Post Doctoral research Award Scheme (2011-13).

References:

1. Nepal in Figures 2013; National Planning Commission Secretariat, Central Bureau of Statistics, Govt. of Nepal ; Kathmandu, pg. 2.

2. Ibid.

3. National Population and Housing Census 2011 (National Report), Volume 01, NPHC 2011; National Planning Commission Secretariat,

Central Bureau of Statistics, Govt. of Nepal ; Kathmandu, pg 3.

4. India’s International land Borders; Department of Border Management; Ministry of Home Affairs, GOI; available at

http://www.mha.nic.in/hindi/sites/upload_files/mhahindi/files/pdf/BM_Intro_E_.pdf

5. Nepal in Figures 2013; National Planning Commission Secretariat, Central Bureau of Statistics, Govt. of Nepal; Kathmandu, pg. 2.

6. Ibid; pg. 3.

7. Ibid; pg 2.

8. Ibid; pg. 37.

9. Ibid; pg. 3.

10. Ibid; pg. 4.

11. Ibid.