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BOOK REVIEW |
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BOOK REVIEW |
Border Disorder A former bureaucrat and
surveyor explains the complexities of the open border between Nepal and India By A CORRESSPONDENT No other two countries have a border system like that between Nepal and India, which share a more than 1,800-km open and unregulated frontier. Divided by nature, including rivers, mountains and land, the Nepal-India border has been the subject of many disputes. From Ilam in the east to Kalapani in the west, these disputes continue to make daily headlines. These disputes have existed since the signing of the Sugauli Treaty in 1814 with then-British India. Moreover, the open border between the two countries remains a major challenge. In the last few years, both countries have seen miscreants, criminals and terrorists moving in and out freely. The Indian side complains that foreign intelligence operatives are using Nepalese territory to foment violence in India. Nepal, too, has its own complaints regarding the use of Indian soil by Maoist terrorists. Since travelers between two countries do not require any document and there is no system of formal registration, it is impossible to check the entry of undesirable elements. At a time when more and more people have been talking about the need to regulate the open border Buddhi Narayan Shrestha, a former bureaucrat and surveyor, makes a forceful plea for necessary steps to make the border safe. Shrestha has spent more than three decade in the Department of Survey, gathering first-hand knowledge of the complexities of the border issue. Although "Nepal Ko Simana" consists of his articles published over the years in different newspapers, it gives clear insights about the problems and challenges faced in border management. Shrestha's insists that the border needs to be regulated to stop misuse by criminals. "The open border is a source of bilateral problems between the two countries. As long as the governments keep the border open, relations between Nepal and India will see ups and downs," said Shrestha. "The best way to maintain good relations is to fence the border." Nepal shares many religious, cultural and ethnic values with India. As the only Hindu state of the world, a large number of Indians admire Nepal and visit the country. Likewise, many Nepalese go to India for religious and employment purposes. Officials on the border do not have any method of distinguishing between good people and criminals. There are many difficulties in regulating the border, since rivers often change its course and the country's land goes from one end to other, compelling the local population to use the land of each other's country. The foreword by former chief of the Royal Nepalese Army Satchit Sumsher J.B. Rana perfectly portrays the status of the border. The author includes articles, documents and comments of Nepalese leaders. He tries to show that all political leaders are concerned about the border problems and make a compelling case for urgent action. Nepal Ko Simana (Border of Nepal) |
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