India to add 548 SSB posts on India-Nepal border

DELHI: The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) is set to set up an additional 548 posts along the border it shares with Nepal. According to the Times of India, 13,000 additional forces will be mobilized after the Indian government gives permission to set up 12 new battalions on the border with Nepal and Bhutan.

It is reported that security personnel will be mobilized to face possible security challenges even in the trilateral region of India, Bhutan and Tibet, which are creating difficult situations from time to time. India is preparing to add forces to the 1,751-kilometer border with Nepal and the 699-kilometre open border with Bhutan. Accordingly, India is going to set up four more Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) at the Nepal border.

Earlier, two check posts were in operation at Jogbani and Raxaul. According to SSB Director General Rajesh Chandra, 12 battalions will be established in phases.

“With the government’s permission, border security will be further strengthened,” explained Chandra.

Chandra says it became easier after the government gave permission to add new posts. These border battalion units aim to reduce the distance between border posts, strengthen trade and prevent cross-border security risks.

India has decided to set up a battalion in 2017 after 70 days of conflict in Doklam, a trilateral border between China, India and Bhutan. It is said that Home Minister Amit Shah surveyed the new battalion to be formed and the force to be added last year.