Amidst heightened security along the India-Nepal border, China has warned its citizens against venturing into the Nepal-India border region. Several Chinese nationals have recently been arrested attempting illegal entry.
India-China: Security has been significantly increased along the India-Nepal border. Meanwhile, China has bly advised its citizens to avoid the Nepal-India border area. Following the recent arrests of several Chinese nationals attempting illegal entry into India, the Chinese embassy has warned its citizens to stay away from this region to avoid any legal complications. Let's understand this matter in detail.
Tightened Security on the India-Nepal Border
India and Nepal share a long open border, allowing visa-free travel for citizens of both countries. However, this concession is exclusively for Indian and Nepali nationals. Recently, security in the border region has been intensified. Security agencies from both countries have increased patrolling and checks.
China Issues Warning, Advises its Citizens
On Friday, the Chinese embassy issued an advisory warning its citizens to avoid the Nepal-India border region. The embassy posted this warning on its official WeChat account, stating that several Chinese citizens were recently apprehended attempting illegal entry into India.
The embassy clarified that security is extremely tight in the Nepal-India border region, and any illegal entry is considered a serious crime under the law, punishable by two to eight years imprisonment and a substantial fine. Furthermore, obtaining bail in such circumstances is difficult.
Why the Warning to Chinese Citizens?
According to a Global Times report, Chinese citizens, either mistakenly or intentionally, sometimes stray near the Nepal-India border and illegally cross into Indian territory. Indian security agencies take this seriously and promptly make arrests.
The Chinese embassy explicitly stated that any Chinese citizen caught in such a situation will face serious legal repercussions. Therefore, all citizens are advised to stay away from the Nepal-India border region and, in case of emergency, immediately contact the Chinese embassy in Nepal for assistance.
Arrests of Chinese Citizens and Increased Surveillance
Recent incidents involved Chinese nationals attempting to cross from Nepal into India. The Indian Border Security Force apprehended them, and action is being taken against them. Illegal entry into India is a serious crime, with stringent penalties under Indian law.
Border Management Between India and Nepal
India and Nepal share a 1,770-kilometer-long open border, allowing visa-free travel for citizens of both nations. This arrangement stems from historical ties. However, this concession is limited to Indian and Nepali citizens only. Any third-country national, whether from China or elsewhere, crossing this border without a visa is considered a violation of the law.
