India tightens security along Nepal border

SUNAULI BORDER: India has tightened security checks along the Nepal-India border following Maoist demonstrations in Nepal.

The Nepalese Armed Police Force (APF), deployed for border security, has also increased its vigilance along the border while large numbers of Seema Suraksha Bal (SSB) personnel have been stationed at major checkpoints.

"Keeping in view the shutdown call given by Maoists in Nepal, strict vigil is being kept on the border area. We have enhanced patrolling in the border areas and we are keeping an eye on everybody who is crossing the border post so that undesirable elements are not able to sneak into this area and create problems," said P K Gupta, Commandant of 2 Battalion of the SSB.

Trucks have formed long queues at the Sunauli border as tougher security measures have led to increased checking of goods.

The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) gave a call for the strike after talks with the ruling coalition failed and Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal refused to quit. Meanwhile, normal life across Nepal was crippled for the fourth consecutive day on Wednesday because of the indefinite general strike.

Maoist cadres, carrying batons, have thronged major thoroughfares of Kathmandu on Wednesday to enforce the strike.

Along with demonstrations in front of the Singha Durbar, the Maoist cadres are also staging demonstrations in the streets of Kathmandu and other cities and towns of the country

Transportation, market places, academic institutions and industries have been brought to a virtual standstill.