Thirteen Indian Seema Surakshya Bal (SSB) personnel who entered Nepal with arms early this morning have been detained by Armed Police Force in Kechana, Jhapa.

The Indian forces entered into Nepali territory while chasing oil smugglers. They have been kept at APF camp in Kechana.

Jhapa Chief District Officer Tej Prasad Poudel said they are trying to ascertain if SSB forces entered by mistake or was a premeditated one.

Locals said the detained SSB personnel had thrashed Nepali national Mohammad Alam of Kechana-4 while searching his home for the smugglers. Four of the 13 SSB personnel had carried weapons.

The APF team had immediately reached Alam’s house and detained them.

Jhapa Assistant CDO Dammaru Niraula, heads of security bodies and SSB officials are holding discussions to decide on what should be done to the Indian personnel. Locals are protesting against Indian interference outside the meeting spot.