The neighboring state of Nepal is considered an important link between India and China. Although Nepal has always had strong relations with India, in recent years, China’s influence in Nepal has increased. China is involved in several projects in Nepal. Geographically, the border between China and Nepal is 1,439 kilometers long, while the border between India and Nepal stretches 1,751 kilometers. These borders connect Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, and Sikkim. The longest border is 726 kilometers with Bihar, followed by 551 kilometers with Uttar Pradesh, 275 kilometers with Uttarakhand, 100 kilometers with West Bengal, and 99 kilometers with Sikkim. In the past, these borders were almost completely open, and people could cross into each other’s countries without visas or passports. There were no restrictions on trade between the two countries either. However, the situation has changed significantly now. This is because, over time, lawless elements and terrorist forces have begun to infiltrate India through these borders. Taking advantage of the open borders, infiltrators from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and several other countries, along with terrorists, enter India and spread terrorism here. This is why the security issues along the Nepal-India border have become a matter of significant concern in recent years. The most worrying part is that madrasas on the India-Nepal border are emerging as safe havens for these infiltrators and terrorists. Many madrasas are linked to anti-India forces.
The increasing suspicious activities in the areas bordering Nepal and the attempts by terrorists to infiltrate are raising concerns for local police and security agencies. Especially, the violence that occurred in Kathmandu on February 28 has escalated tensions in the region. This violence was not limited to Nepal alone but has been considered serious from a security perspective in India as well. A former teacher residing near the Nepal border mentions that the rise in suspicious activities in border areas is alarming. He believes that Pakistan and China are plotting to make Nepal’s border a launching pad for infiltrators. He also mentions that some religious educational institutions are providing refuge to notorious criminals fleeing India and terrorists attempting to infiltrate India. In February this year, a Bangladeshi citizen was arrested near the border and found shelter in a Nepali madrasa. This incident proves that certain locations in Nepal have become safe havens for terrorist activities. Reports from Nepali security agencies confirm that a member of the Bangladeshi terrorist group, Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen, was given shelter in the border region of Nepal. Similarly, international terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) may also exploit the changing situation in Nepal. These organizations’ goal might be to infiltrate India and promote terrorist activities. In this regard, former IB officer Praveen Garg suggests that the violence in Kathmandu could be part of a plot to malign the royalist movement in Nepal. According to him, after destabilizing Bangladesh, the security agencies of Pakistan and China are now trying to destabilize Nepal. The increased activity of their intelligence agencies in Nepal strengthens this possibility.
Especially, the rising activity of these agencies from Pakistan and China near the Indian border in Nepal since the beginning of this year is a serious concern. Interestingly, Nepal, which was a Hindu nation until a few years ago, is now witnessing demands for Sharia law, something that was once a distant dream for Nepalese Muslims. However, it has now been raised in the parliament by some Muslim MPs, who see it as a new political direction for Nepal. Amidst the growing Muslim population and the advocacy for Sharia law, Hindu organizations are once again calling for Nepal to be declared a Hindu nation. However, political experts believe that the demand for Sharia law in Nepal is a move sponsored by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), as part of a plot to destabilize Nepal politically.
Reports also indicate an increase in terrorist activities along the Nepali border, showing that efforts to infiltrate terrorists into India have risen.
Regarding the involvement of madrasas in terrorist activities along the border, there are several cases to consider. In the early months of this year, a Bangladeshi citizen was arrested near pillar number 501-6 of the Mathar-Dhamour area and found shelter in Madrasa Madinatul. Similarly, in 2024, three members of Hizbul Mujahideen were arrested, who had been staying in a madrasa near the Nepali border. In 2020, Rashid, a training commander from Popular Front of India, was arrested while being active in a madrasa near the Nepali border. These incidents prove that terrorist activity along the Nepali border is increasing, and security agencies need to remain alert. Therefore, tightening the regulations around madrasas is necessary.
It is noteworthy that security agencies have a long list of arrests related to Nepal’s border. In 2015, Pakistani scientist Dr. Javed was arrested at the Sonouli border, where he had been staying in Nepal. In 2013, terrorist Abdul Karim Tunda was arrested while attempting to cross from Nepal to India, and in the same year, Yasin Bhatkal was also arrested. Not only this, but in 2010, Salman, a member of the Indian Mujahideen, was arrested at the Bhadni border, where he had taken refuge in a Nepali madrasa. These incidents highlight the increasing number of terrorists attempting to enter India from Nepal, and security agencies need to pay serious attention to this issue.
In response to these developments, Indian security forces have increased patrols along the border with Nepal and are using advanced technology to monitor suspicious activities in these regions. However, it may be challenging to gain complete control over the terrorist activities within Nepal, as several madrasas and religious institutions in Nepal have become safe havens for these activities. These terrorist groups not only have the potential to infiltrate India but also to expand their roots within Nepal, which poses a significant threat to both countries. If the Nepali government does not take strict action in time, the situation will worsen. Therefore, it is crucial for both Nepal and India to strengthen security measures along the border and take effective action against terrorism. Ultimately, it would not be wrong to say that, given the rising terrorist activities and attempts at infiltration along the Nepal border, there is a need for increased coordination and vigilance between the security forces of both countries. Additionally, Nepal must also strengthen its internal security measures to prevent terrorist activities within its borders and stop the infiltration of terrorists into India. This is vital for the security and peace of both nations.
