The state of Bihar was put on high alert on the basis of intelligence reports that three suspected members of the Pakistan based terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) have entered the state through the porous border with Nepal. The infiltration has brought so much concern to security agencies with the sensitivity of the districts on the northern border and the soon coming state assembly elections. The officials have recognized the suspects as Hasnain Ali of Rawalpindi, Adil Hussain of Umerkot and Mohammad Usman of Bahawalpur. The suspects first reached Kathmandu towards the second week of August and entered Bihar almost immediately after exploiting the porous nature of the Indo-Nepal border, according to reports.
To counter the threat, Bihar Police Headquarters declared a high alert in the whole state and ordered security forces to increase vigilance in the sensitive regions. The special concern has been given to the districts along the borders of Nepal, namely Araria, Kishanganj and Supaul, and sensitive districts like Madhubani, Sitamarhi, East Champaran and West Champaran have also been placed under close scrutiny. Law enforcement has also published images and passport information of the suspected agents in order to aid in identification and arrest, to encourage local law enforcement and citizens to be more observant and report any suspicious behavior to the police at once.
The intrusion highlights the persistent security concerns of the open Indo-Nepal border which has been a long-running concern among Indian officials. This is an avenue that has earlier been used by terrorist organizations such as JeM and the Lashkar-e-Taiba to find their way into India without detection. Intelligence sharing and cooperation with Nepal in the region have been highlighted as being very essential in order to counter these threats. The security agencies in Bihar are currently working in tandem with the central intelligence and paramilitary forces in order to monitor movements and further prevent any form of attack.
This infiltration has been especially terrible in view of the fact that Bihar is set to conduct state assembly elections in a few months. Officials fear that the presence of these agents may not only compromise on the safety of the people, but also interfere with the electoral process. To prevent any form of threat security has been enhanced in areas where people are likely to gather, during elections and major infrastructure so as to avert any such threat.
The situation is still unfolding but Bihar police are keeping a close watch throughout the state with more people on the ground and regular intelligence briefing. People have been called to be vigilant and cooperate with the police even as security forces resorted to searching the infiltrators. This event underscores the urgency of increased border security, quick intelligence response and communal awareness regarding protection against cross-border terrorism in the area.
