The Indian Seema Suraksha Bal (SSB) has tightened the entry of Nepalis to India from Baridya district. The Indian border security force has barred Nepali nationals from entering India without citizenship or official identity card.

The SSB is sending back Nepalis, without identity cards, trying to enter the Indian border town of Barhaich and Lakhimpur Khiri from Bardiya, Nepali Security Officials said. The Indian border security force has also been questioning the Nepali citizens entering India about the place and purpose of their visit.

Locals were caught by surprise following the Indian SSB’s unilateral move as identity cards were not required for cross-border travelling during the time of blockade.

Chief District Officer Ram Bahadur Kurumbang informed that the Indian SSB has been tightening the entry of Nepali individuals for some time now. CDO Kurumbang, however, said that he is unaware as to why the Indian side was demanding identity proof with Nepali citizens travelling across the border.