KATHMANDU, Oct 28: India has expressed concern over Nepal’s internal security situation ahead of the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections, citing the theft of weapons during recent Gen Z protests and the continued absence of thousands of escaped prisoners, which could have cross-border implications.
Nepali officials report that India has requested Nepal to enhance surveillance and patrols along the border to prevent criminal activity during the election period. Indian side raised concerns that over 6,000 prisoners who escaped during the Gen Z protests in Nepal remain at large and that weapons looted from police have not yet been recovered. The Indian authorities have also called on Nepal to reinforce border security and cooperate in preventing criminals from crossing into Indian territory.
Amid security concerns from Indian side, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal is currently in a visit to Madhesh Province to review the security situation.
Vigilance upped on open border amid unrest over Indian citizens...
Earlier this month, India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) invited Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) of Nepal’s Armed Police Force (APF) from five provinces bordering Bihar — Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini — for a security consultation. During the meeting, Indian officials expressed concern about Nepal’s ability to prevent cross-border incidents during the Bihar Assembly polls scheduled for November 6 and 11.
“The Indian side was particularly worried that stolen weapons or escaped convicts could be misused during the elections,” said a senior APF official, adding that Nepal assured India of continued cooperation and joint vigilance.
Indian authorities have stepped up security checks along the border, while Nepali security agencies have also intensified monitoring to maintain order and support a peaceful election in the bordering Indian state of Bihar. Coordination meetings between security officials of both countries are a regular feature of border management.
The increased vigilance follows unrest in Nepal linked to the Gen Z Movement, a youth-led campaign demanding accountability and good governance. Though largely peaceful, the protests have occasionally turned confrontational, leading to the seizure of weapons and the escape of detainees — developments that have drawn India’s attention to potential cross-border security risks.
Bihar, which shares a long open border with Nepal’s Madhesh Province, will elect representatives to its 243-member assembly in two phases, with results to be announced on November 14. The main contest is between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United), and the opposition Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
Given the deep cultural and economic ties along the Nepal–India frontier, both governments have emphasized coordination to prevent illegal movements and maintain peace. Officials from both sides say continuous cooperation remains essential to ensure domestic developments and elections do not disrupt cross-border stability.
