Security personnel from Nepal and India have started joint patrols along the international border near Dang in view of the second phase of federal and provincial elections scheduled for December 7. The local administration has heightened security along the Nepal-India border in recent days.

SP Ishwor DC of the Armed Police Force Border Outpost in Koilabash said they have been conducting patrols jointly with the Indian Sashastra Seema Bal along the border to check activities detrimental to the polls. “We have stepped up surveillance in Koilabash, Musi, Khabari, Siriya, Patauli, Gurung and Khangra, among other border points,” said DC.

There are 31 border crossings adjoining Dang. SP Dilip Kumar Sharma of the APF Border Security Office said the border is monitored 24 hours. Security has been tightened in the district after a temporary police recruit was killed in a blast in Tulsipur on Tuesday.

AIG Madhu Prasad Pudasaini said security personnel were making efforts to make the elections peaceful. “Security teams can reach a voting centre within five to 10 minutes. There’s no threat for voters,” said AIG Pudasaini.