Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing has accused ASEAN of discrimination against his country and criticized the regional peace plan. The government has announced plans to conduct by-elections in 172 constituencies in 2027 and to intensify measures against illegal activities. President Hlaing stated that it will take another five years to fully advance the process of nation-building and called on rebel groups to come forward for talks.
Speaking in parliament, President Hlaing alleged that ASEAN has discriminated against Myanmar. He said, “We have become patient. We will respond to activities that are not constructive.” By-elections will be held in 172 constituencies where voting could not take place due to unrest during elections in December and January. The government has invited rebel groups to unconditional peace negotiations.
So far, talks have been held with 13 ethnic armed organizations. The government is cracking down on illegal money laundering, arms trafficking, drug trade, and online scam centers. Myanmar has prioritized the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway and the Mandalay-Muse railway projects.
The government is working on 10 hydropower projects, including the controversial Myitsone Dam. Efforts are also underway to build a nuclear power plant in Myanmar. The government will allocate 10 percent of the budget for the education sector in the coming fiscal year, increasing it to 15 percent by the 2028–2029 fiscal year.
The Nepalese cricket team returned home Friday evening after completing the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 series. The series held in the Netherlands ended with Nepal losing all four matches, significantly diminishing their chances of finishing in the top four teams. Poor outcomes in the remaining matches could also put Nepal’s ODI status at risk. Kathmandu, 15 Shrawan.
The Nepal team came back to the country after playing the One Day International series in the Netherlands as part of ICC Cricket World Cup League 2. The team was welcomed at Tribhuvan International Airport by Canada’s Head of Cricket Operations, Vinod Das, among others. Nepal was defeated in all four games of the series, making it unlikely for them to secure a top-four position in League 2.
So far, Nepal has played 32 matches and earned 24 points. Even if they win all their remaining matches, Nepal can accumulate a maximum of 32 points. The final outcomes will depend heavily on the results of other teams. If Nepal loses even one of the remaining four matches, their chances of finishing in the top four will be effectively eliminated. Nepal still has series to play against Oman and Canada. If Oman manages to win just one of their remaining eight matches, Nepal’s chances of finishing in the top four will be over. Canada also has the potential to overtake Nepal. Should Canada surpass Nepal, Nepal’s ODI status could be jeopardized.
An all-party meeting has commenced at the District Administration Office in Dhanusha to maintain peace. The meeting was organized following tensions arising from the Sunsari incident. Participants include members of parliament, heads of security agencies, representatives of political parties, religious leaders, and community heads.
The Dhanusha District Administration Office had imposed a curfew from 3:30 PM on Thursday. The curfew was enforced after protests intensified over the Sunsari incident. The administration relaxed the curfew for two hours from 6 AM to 8 AM today.
Authorities have reported that nearly 49,000 migrants entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in North Africa from Morocco via sea and land routes within the past 24 hours. On Thursday, videos and photos circulated publicly showing thousands of people swimming toward the city. Local media also reported that people crossed the border into Ceuta throughout the night. Officials have confirmed that at least 18 people have died recently trying to cross the area illegally.
Earlier this month, Spain’s Supreme Court had ruled that migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or another Spanish territory, Melilla, cannot be returned immediately to Morocco. As the numbers attempting to enter Spanish territory surged, local authorities requested assistance from Madrid. On Thursday, border control in Ceuta became disorganized, prompting Spain to deploy armed forces to strengthen security in Ceuta and Melilla.
According to estimates from Spanish officials, the number of migrants arriving in Ceuta within 24 hours may exceed half of the city’s total population. Official statistics indicate Ceuta has a population of approximately 83,600 residents. The local administration declared the mass arrival of migrants a “national humanitarian crisis.” The crossing continued into Friday night, and clashes between migrants and police near the border were reported.
Authorities confirmed that among those who illegally entered Ceuta in the last 24 hours, at least 7,000 were minors. Typically, migrants try to reach Ceuta by swimming from areas farther off the coast, but this time many successfully arrived close to the border fence. The number of migrants arriving by swimming had notably increased in recent days.
Ceuta is located on the northern coast of Morocco and is separated from Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar. Officials estimate this recent influx is the highest since May 2021. The diplomatic tensions between Morocco and Spain have escalated again following Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s visit to Algeria, which supports the independence of Western Sahara.
Officials reported that nearly 49,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, located in North Africa, from Morocco via land and sea routes within the last 24 hours.
On Thursday, thousands of people were seen swimming across the sea towards the city, with videos and photos circulated widely. Local media also reported arrivals continuing overnight.
Authorities confirmed that at least 18 people have died in recent days trying to reach the area.
Earlier this month, Spain’s Supreme Court ruled that migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or Melilla cannot be immediately returned to Morocco.
With the surge in attempts to enter Spanish territory, local authorities have appealed to Madrid for assistance.
Border in Disarray
Image source, Reuters
Image caption, Spain has deployed troops to reinforce security at the border
The border control in Ceuta was in chaos on Thursday as thousands of migrants surged in.
Spain subsequently deployed armed forces to tighten security in Ceuta and Melilla. Reports indicate that between 300 and 400 people entered Melilla on Thursday night.
Spanish officials estimate that the number of migrants entering Ceuta within 24 hours could exceed half of the city’s total population.
Official figures show Ceuta’s population is approximately 83,600.
Local authorities describe the sudden influx as a “national humanitarian crisis” due to the overwhelming number of migrants.
Local media also reported clashes between migrants and police at the border continuing late Friday night.
Thousands of Minors Among Migrants
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock
Most of the recent migrants are young men, but the crowd also includes some women, children, and infants.
Authorities estimate that at least 7,000 minors were among those who crossed illegally into Ceuta during the past 24 hours.
Typically, migrants attempt entry after swimming in from more distant coastal areas, but this time they managed to reach near the border fence more easily.
Initially, some tried to enter by climbing over the seawall into Ceuta, but most swam around to a different shore.
It remains unclear why Moroccan border guards, whose presence at the time is not well documented, did not stop or disperse the large migrant groups.
The surge of migrants swimming towards Ceuta had already been increasing in recent days before Thursday’s large influx, and news of successful crossings spread rapidly.
Where Is Ceuta?
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Ceuta is located on the northern coast of Morocco and is separated from mainland Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar.
Both Ceuta and Melilla have historically been flashpoints for migrants attempting to reach Europe.
If the official estimates are accurate, this surge represents the highest number of entries into Ceuta since May 2021.
Back then, during diplomatic tensions over Western Sahara sovereignty, Moroccan authorities allowed roughly 8,000 people to cross the border.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently visited Algeria, which supports Western Sahara independence, escalating diplomatic tensions with Morocco.
However, Spain’s interior ministry says it is working with Morocco to quickly repatriate those entering illegally.
Prime Minister Sánchez plans to visit Ceuta on Friday.
Diplomatic Dispute
Morocco claims sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, making these cities long-standing subjects of diplomatic contention between Morocco and Spain.
Madrid regards both enclaves as integral parts of Spain.
These two cities are officially recognized as autonomous cities of Spain.
They are the only European Union territories on the African continent aside from the mainland borders of Africa.
August 1, Kathmandu – Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on senior leaders of the ruling Communist Party to intensify the fight against corruption within the military and to promote modernization in the national security sector. The state news agency Xinhua reported on Friday about these remarks.
During a collective meeting of China’s top decision-making body, the Politburo, President Xi emphasized, “The gun barrel must always obey the party’s command.” According to Xinhua, he urged the establishment of an intelligent military system by widely applying unmanned technology and cyber information systems.
He stated, “The primary orientation and evaluation criteria for advancing the modernization of national security and the armed forces with high standards must focus on combat capability.” These comments from the president were made ahead of the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army.
Some defense analysts and military experts have suggested that this commemoration is expected to be less confrontational. However, it will underscore the Communist Party’s emphasis on further progress in military modernization and war preparedness during this centennial year. A February report from the London-based think tank Independent Institute of Strategic Studies highlighted that anti-corruption efforts within the military have hindered war readiness and exposed serious weaknesses in the command structure.
Last year, the United States Department of Defense issued a statement expressing belief that the U.S. military aims to prepare its forces to win any potential conflict over Taiwan by 2027, according to intelligence assessments. However, according to the U.S. intelligence community’s latest evaluation, Beijing currently has no plan to launch an attack on Taiwan by 2027. China intends to assert control over the island without using force.
China regards democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has never abandoned the option of using force to take control. Therefore, it regularly deploys military ships and aircraft around the island daily.
The Nepal Student Union (NSU) Madhesh Province has urged the government to conduct a fair investigation into the recent incidents in Sunsari and other areas and to take strict action against the culprits. President Manish Kumar Yadav described the death of citizens caused by the use of state machinery as a serious matter and warned that any attempts to shield the responsible parties would be unacceptable. The union has appealed to citizens to refrain from activities that incite agitation and communal hatred, emphasizing the need to maintain social harmony and religious tolerance. (15 Shrawan, Janakpur Dham)
The Nepal Student Union (NSU) Madhesh Province expressed sorrow over the recent events in Sunsari and surrounding regions and demanded an impartial investigation along with stringent punishment for those responsible. In the press release issued by President Manish Kumar Yadav, condolences were extended to the families of the deceased and wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured were conveyed. The statement stressed that in a democratic state, safeguarding citizens’ lives is the government’s primary duty, and highlighted the tragedy and gravity of citizens’ deaths caused by excessive use of power by state mechanisms when disputes should be resolved through dialogue and legal processes.
The union strongly warned against any attempts to suppress facts, cover up the incidents, protect wrongdoers, or mislead the public under the pretext of formal investigations. The statement called for legal action against those misusing state power and asserted that the government must bear political and moral responsibility if it fails in this regard. NSU Madhesh Province urged citizens to avoid any actions that provoke unrest, spread rumors, or propagate ethnic, religious, or communal hatred. All parties were appealed to refrain from exploiting any incidents as a pretext to attack social harmony, national unity, or fraternity. President Yadav, through the release, called upon the student community throughout the country to actively promote social harmony, religious tolerance, and national unity.
A dramatic incident was caught on camera where a New Zealand diver was attacked by a shark during a fishing trip in Fiji. The grey reef shark bit the lower portion of Henry Gibbs’ right leg as it swam nearby. After undergoing four surgeries and skin grafts, the diver has fully recovered and now considers himself “very lucky.”
He also expressed no complaints about the shark’s behavior. On Instagram, he wrote, “I was in its place looking for its food. Wrong place, wrong time.”
The island nation of Nauru in the Pacific Ocean has officially changed its country name to the ‘Republic of Naoero’. President David Adeang stated that the name change decision was made to preserve the nation’s identity, cultural heritage, and ancestral legacy. Adeang said, “This decision is not political; it is about safeguarding our identity, heritage, the legacy of our ancestors, and strengthening the future of our children.”
In May, Nauru’s parliament passed a constitutional amendment to change the country’s name. Initially, there were plans to hold a national referendum on the matter. However, President Adeang announced on social media Wednesday night that the planned referendum had been cancelled. He explained, “The decision not to hold a referendum was made after consultations because ‘Naoero’ is not a new name that the people need to accept.”
The country’s short name will now be ‘Naoero’, and its citizens will be known as ‘Dei-Naoero’. European colonialists had historically changed the native name to Nauru due to difficulties in pronunciation. With a population of around 12,000, Nauru is the third smallest country in the world, following Vatican City and Monaco. The government has formally informed international organizations and other countries of the name change. The process of implementing the new name is gaining momentum.
Animal rights activists have expressed their disagreement with the government’s draft of the ‘Animal Service and Animal Welfare Related Bill’. They allege that the bill focuses primarily on animal husbandry, production, trade, and administrative management, rather than on the rights and welfare of animals. Advocating for legally embedding animal welfare as a fundamental objective, activists have opposed the production-centric approach of the bill. They have also urged the government to formulate a separate, independent, and comprehensive animal welfare law in line with international standards.
The foundation of animal welfare laws internationally is based on the recognized “Five Freedoms,” which ensure animals are free from hunger and thirst; discomfort and pain; protected from disease and injury; able to express natural behaviors; and free from fear and distress. This was highlighted by Sneha Shrestha, founder of Sneha Care. However, she pointed out that the current draft bill does not incorporate these fundamental principles. Shrestha argued that the bill, by neglecting the core philosophy of animal welfare, ultimately fails to effectively safeguard the interests of animals.
Activists criticized the bill for lacking clear legal provisions concerning the humane management of community dogs and cats on the streets, rabies control vaccination campaigns, rescue, treatment, rehabilitation, and restoration. They further accused the bill of being deficient in justifiable provisions regarding the protection, management, and accountability of abandoned cows and other stray animals. According to them, there is also ambiguity concerning the distribution of responsibilities among local, provincial, and federal governments for the protection and management of these animals.
Animal rights advocates also voiced dissent over the bill’s treatment of cruelty towards animals. They pointed out that acts such as beating, poisoning, torture, inhumane transportation, or other forms of abuse are not clearly defined as criminal offenses in the bill. Moreover, the draft lacks stringent provisions for punishments, fines, imprisonment, and the effective enforcement necessary to deter such cruelty, revealing significant shortcomings according to these activists.
A surge of migrants swimming into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Africa has created a critical situation. Local officials report that over 1,500 individuals have crossed by sea from Morocco into Ceuta, located in North Africa, in the past week alone. The overwhelming influx has led local administrators to declare a “national humanitarian crisis.” “Shelters are completely full, and there is no available space left,” said Juan Jesús Vivas, the local administrator. Reports indicate that Moroccan border guards have withdrawn from the area. The Spanish government is actively working to address the issue, but police and civil guard forces acknowledge that insufficient resources make managing the situation challenging.
Ceuta and Melilla are both Spanish territories connected to the African continent. These border cities are common crossing points for migrants seeking entry into Europe, sometimes resulting in such large-scale influxes.
Exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen arrived in Kolkata from New Delhi on Friday after nearly two decades. She stated, “I have returned not as a guest, but as a part of Bengal itself.” She has come to Kolkata to participate in a public event scheduled for the 17th of the Nepali month Saun.
Approximately twenty years ago, Taslima Nasreen was compelled to leave Kolkata following protests against her controversial book ‘Dwikhandito’. According to news agency PTI, upon her arrival at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, she greeted the people who had come to welcome her with folded hands. She added, “I feel as if I have returned to my own country. Bengal has never been divided in my heart.” This marks Taslima Nasreen’s first public appearance in Kolkata since 2007.
Photo Caption, Home Minister Gurung in SunsariArticle Information
Following talks in Sunsari, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has reached an agreement with the families of two youths who died in the Dewanganj incidents. Officials anticipate a gradual reduction in communal tensions and violent situations across various locations in the Koshi and Madhesh provinces.
By Friday noon, slogans and processions were reported in some areas of Sunsari, Dhanusha, and Siraha districts. However, authorities have described the situation as largely peaceful compared to earlier unrest. Curfews remain in place in affected areas.
Five days after the violent events, Home Minister Gurung arrived in Dewanganj on Thursday night and reached an agreement on behalf of the government with the families of the deceased. He is also scheduled to visit Siraha on Friday, where a shooting incident on Thursday resulted in one fatality.
The agreement between Home Minister Gurung and the families addresses issues ranging from relief to investigation.
The government has committed to immediately initiate the process of declaring the deceased as martyrs and provide each family with relief assistance amounting to NPR 1 million.
The agreement also includes provisions for a fair and effective investigation into the night of Saun 10 (Nepali calendar), when the incident occurred, and promises necessary action against those found responsible. An immediate inquiry into the legal status of the madrasa in Dewanganj-3 and associated matters has also been pledged.
The memorandum of understanding bears the signatures of the victims’ guardians and Home Minister Sudhan Gurung.
“Our country has not experienced religious conflict so far,” Home Minister Gurung told reporters after the agreement, “We see an essential need to resolve this issue at its roots.”
Madhesh Province’s 11 examination centers have postponed the MBS and MA-level exams scheduled for Friday, and several schools remain closed in some locations.
Following the agreement with the Home Minister, the families of Omprakash Mehta and Jayprakash Mehta, who died in the Dewanganj incident, are reportedly preparing for the final rites.
Here, we assess the current state of areas that had shown tensions up to Thursday.
What Is Happening in Dewanganj Where Two Lost Their Lives?
Photo Source, Sudan Gurung/Facebook
Photo Caption, Home Minister and others during agreement with families of the deceased on Thursday night
Local residents report that Dewanganj remained comparatively calm on Friday. Police are conducting public announcements urging people to remain peaceful.
Following the agreement with the Home Minister, the victims’ families are preparing for the final funeral rites, said Kumari Bibha Yadav, deputy chairperson of Dewanganj Rural Municipality.
“Some youth remain dissatisfied with the government agreement, yet they are not staging protests on the streets,” she added.
Sunsari’s Deputy Superintendent of Police, Pushparaj Mall, noted a reduction in tensions following the Home Minister’s engagement.
“The final funeral of the deceased will take place during the day. We are providing administrative support,” he said.
Basir Miya from Kaptanganj, a livestock trader, confirmed some calming of the situation. “Yet, I remain fearful. I have not left my home for five days,” he stated.
Other Areas in Sunsari District
Assistant Chief District Officer Poshan Lamichhane reported minor demonstrations near highway areas on Friday in Sunsari.
“The situation is gradually improving,” he said.
The curfew imposed on affected areas since Monday remains in place.
The Nepal Army is deployed in Aina, supported by police, Armed Police Force, and the National Investigation Department, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Mall.
The unrest that began in Dewanganj-3 ward, Kaptanganj rural municipality, near the Indian border, is not confined solely to that area.
A team led by Joint Secretary Bhupendra Thapa from the Home Ministry is currently conducting investigations on-site following Sunday’s incident.
“We have nearly completed the preliminary investigation and are preparing to return to Kathmandu to compile the report,” Thapa said.
Siraha and Dhanusha
Photo Source, Manilal Bishwokarma
Photo Caption, Lahan Bazaar is calmer compared to Thursday
Curfews are currently enforced across various local levels and marketplaces in Siraha and Dhanusha districts.
The tension that began rising in Sunsari since Monday had spread to Siraha and Dhanusha by Thursday, prompting local administration to order curfews in affected areas upon the commencement of protests.
One person was fatally shot in Siraha’s Golbazar on Thursday.
According to Siraha Chief District Officer Surendra Paudyal, reinforcements from Hetauda and Rajbiraj have been deployed to Siraha considering the district’s security situation.
“Compared to Thursday, the situation is calmer. Small demonstrations continue within curfew limits,” he said, “The likelihood of escalation now appears low.”
“The Home Minister is scheduled to visit Siraha on Friday, and we are confident that dialogue with him will be productive.”
Preliminary reports indicate some demonstrations in Dhanusha’s Nagraine Municipality on Friday morning, according to Assistant Chief District Officer Bhudev Jha.
“No other significant disturbances have been observed. The District Security Committee will convene to decide on further actions.”
In Janakpur, curfew measures were briefly eased to facilitate the daily lives of residents.
Saptari, Sarlahi, Parsa, and Bara
Photo Source, Vishwanath Thakur
Photo Caption, Demonstrations held at several locations in Sarlahi on Friday
Curfew has been ordered in Saptari from 8 a.m. on Friday.
Saptari Chief District Officer Shyam Krishna Thapa announced that the curfew will remain effective until further notice.
Protests have been ongoing since Friday morning in various areas including Malangwa in Sarlahi.
The situation in Parsa remained peaceful until Friday noon, despite heightened tensions on Thursday night.
“The district is currently calm and the curfew has been lifted,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police Pawan Bhattarai.
Parsa administration had issued a curfew until 6 a.m. on Friday.
Bara is reported to be in a stable and peaceful condition at present.
Reported from Biratnagar by Bikram Niraula and from Birgunj by Madhuri Mahto.
August 1, Kathmandu – A coal mine accident in the Sorej area of Quetta district, Pakistan, has resulted in the deaths of 34 individuals. Authorities have confirmed the recovery of the victims’ bodies. This incident, which occurred yesterday, is the largest coal mine accident in Balochistan this year. Mohammad Fahad, Operations Manager at PDM, stated on Friday morning, “Rescue operations are ongoing to retrieve the bodies of two additional miners.”
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has demanded an immediate report from the Mines and Minerals Department. He has directed a transparent investigation to identify the causes of the accident and hold responsible individuals accountable. Balochistan’s Mines Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani announced compensation payments of PKR 500,000 to the families of the deceased workers and PKR 300,000 to the injured.
Sorej is a mountainous area located approximately 40 kilometers east of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, known for its numerous coal mines. The region and its surroundings have experienced previous coal mine accidents.
From this week, the Armed Police Force (APF) has launched its ‘Border Interaction Team’ at six different Nepal-India border points, according to the APF spokesperson. This initiative is expected to help control the possible illegal entry of third-country nationals.
During a recent meeting of the Federalism Strengthening and National Concerns Committee under the National Assembly last week, Nepal Police Inspector General, Dan Bahadur Karki, noted that activities by some Rohingya, Pakistani, and Somali refugees have raised security sensitivities.
Following this, security officials told the BBC that identification checks are being conducted at certain points and technology-based surveillance systems are in use.
A Nepal Police spokesperson added that intelligence-driven police monitoring has been strengthened along with coordination among various agencies.
The Armed Police Force has been patrolling and coordinating with its Indian counterparts to prevent unauthorized movement of third-country nationals across the border. Last fiscal year, it arrested 20 individuals and handed them over to the Immigration Department.
Security officials stated that frequent coordination takes place between Nepal and India regarding security challenges along the open border, especially in some Terai districts where security concerns have escalated.
What the Armed Police Force Says
Image source: APF
The Armed Police Force, which holds primary responsibility for border security, reported that its Indian counterparts have already established similar structures. This mechanism works to facilitate and monitor cross-border movement.
According to APF spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General of Police, Netra Bahadur Karki, since July 26, the Border Interaction Team has been operational as a ‘pilot project’ to facilitate border movement and to assist in monitoring possible illegal entry of third-country nationals.
He stated to the BBC, “Both male and female personnel are deployed from dawn until dusk. Unlike regular military uniforms, this team is organized for surveillance, assistance, and facilitation.”
He specified that this mechanism is established at six locations: Kankadbhitta in Jhapa, Rani in Morang, Birgunj in Parsa, Danda in Rupandehi, Jamunaha in Nepalgunj, and Trinagar in Kailali.
Regular discussions are also held with the Armed Border Guards to prevent illegal entry of third-country nationals.
Deputy Inspector General Karki said that 24-hour patrols and checkpoints are maintained, with formal and informal communication underway with Indian counterparts.
“You understand the challenges of an open border. Patrols cannot cover all locations simultaneously. Illegal crossings are a challenge. We arrest anyone caught illegally crossing and hand them over to immigration,” he noted.
He revealed that 20 third-country nationals who entered Nepal through border areas were apprehended and handed over to the Immigration Department in the last fiscal year.
Nepal’s Immigration Department has legal authority to impose fines, imprisonment, or deportation on foreigners attempting to enter the country unlawfully.
What Nepal Police Says
Traditionally, Nepal has provided refuge on humanitarian grounds to Tibetan and Bhutanese refugees, but in recent years, urban refugees and forcibly displaced persons from various countries have increased.
According to United Nations refugee agency statistics, 721 urban refugees from countries ranging from Myanmar to Iran and Pakistan to Somalia are registered.
It is estimated that Nepal is home to approximately 20,000 individuals, including urban refugees, forcibly displaced persons from other countries, and Tibetan and Bhutanese refugees.
Nepal Police spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General Abi Narayan Kafle told the BBC that intelligence-led coordination among agencies has been strengthened because activities by individuals who might enter Nepal illegally pose a security challenge.
He added, “We have fortified intelligence-based police personnel, especially near border areas. Police officers and commanders have been given special surveillance directives from the Inspector General to prevent any illegal entry.”
He stated, “We are planning to strengthen border monitoring, including implementing a system where entry is only allowed upon verification of documents. We are coordinating with other security agencies and the Immigration Department.”
Former Chief of the Peace and Security Division at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Senior Secretary Phanindra Mani Pokhrel, said that implementing identification cards at border points would be a long-term solution.
He mentioned that in the short term, security forces and intelligence agencies need to collaborate with local representatives and religious organizations to maintain communal harmony.
“Implementing identification cards requires agreement between the two countries. Political issues might arise, and it may not be practical immediately. But security personnel deployed at checkpoints must demonstrate high commitment, and local residents must be honest. The government should be informed if special individuals enter these areas,” he emphasized.
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