Nepal releases 13 SSB guards after 7-hour detention

In a dramatic twist to the more than 3-month long blockade, Nepali police on Sunday arrested 13 members of India’s Sashatra Seema Bal (SSB) in Jhapa in eastern Tarai region of Nepal but released them after 7 hours. Dammaru Niraula, Assistant Chief District Officer of Jhapa told The Kathmandu Post that the 13 soldiers were released after “intense talks” with his Indian counterpart. Jhapa — which is among the oldest bastions of the Communist Party of Nepal–UML — was among the worst affected in the blockade and public sentiments had been running high due to shortage of essential commodities. The SSB personnel who were armed at the time of the arrest reportedly were detained without confrontation, Nepali sources have told The Hindu. Nepal had been saying that Indian security personnel had been entering Nepal to carry out operations that are detrimental to Nepali security. Investigation has begun following the early morning arrest to find out the real reasons behind the presence of SSB personnel inside Nepal. Gas cylinder bomb recovered Coinciding with the news of arrest, Nepali authorities claimed to have recovered a gas cylinder bomb in Saptari district which, like Jhapa is in the Tarai region. In view of the worsening security scenario, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Bhim Rawal announced that all security agencies of Nepal including its army could be mobilised to ensure security and safety of the Nepali citizens. The arrest of Indian SSB personnel inside Nepal has also come right before Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa was to leave for London where he is expected to take up the blockade and the alleged role of India in enforcing the blockade. The SSB which is meant to ensure security of Indian borders with Nepal and Bhutan is also a key intelligence gathering agency for these borders. Sources have however given a different version of the incident and said that two unarmed constables of the SSB were chasing smugglers and inadvertently crossed into Nepal. In response, 11 members of the SSB went in to discuss the issue with Armed Police Force of Nepal. However, a formal response from the SSB is awaited. -The Hindu