Patna: The communal tensions in Nepal’s Parsa and Dhanusha districts, triggered by the vandalism of a mosque and a controversial social media post, prompted authorities in the bordering Bihar districts of East Champaran (Motihari) and West Champaran (Bettiah) to intensify security along the India-Nepal border to prevent any potential spillover.The official said while they did not impose a curfew, Nepal might have restricted movement from its side. District administrations in Motihari and Bettiah are closely coordinating with border forces to monitor the situation.“The Raxaul border has not been sealed; we have just kept it under heavy patrolling and are maintaining a close watch,” DIG of Champaran range, Harkishor Rai, told TOI on Tuesday. He said officers have been put on a high alert to prevent any potential infiltration amid the tensions.Rai said that Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) continues its regular deployment, with four battalions operational across the two districts, backed by around 90 border outposts. Existing personnel are conducting enhanced patrolling, focusing on vigilance to monitor cross-border movement.Bihar Police have also stepped up measures, deploying additional forces from stations adjacent to the border. Separate patrolling teams were formed across the areas under watch for reinforced surveillance and rapid response.The DIG said patrolling was intensified at all police stations adjacent to the Nepal border. “Additional forces have been given — one each Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP) company for Motihari and Bettiah. The situation so far is normal and under control,” Rai said.The tensions flared up in Dhanusha district of Nepal following the vandalism of a mosque in Sakhuwa Maran area of Kamala municipality. According to reports, the incident was triggered by a viral video allegedly containing content offensive to religious sentiments, posted by two local youths.
