Ahead of Barack Obama visit, security beefed up along Indo-Nepal border

Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has launched search operations along the Indo-Nepal border to check any possibilities of infiltration bid by unwanted elements, ahead of US President Barack Obama's three-day visit to India beginning Sunday.

"The security cover on the Indo-Nepal border has been strengthened in view of Obama visit, under which besides keeping a strict eye on the people crossing the border, a search operation has also been launched in the bordering villages of adjoining districts," Incharge Commandant of 9th battalion of SSB, H K Gupta said.

"All illegal routes from Nepal have been closed and the Indo-Nepal border would be fully sealed for 48 hours before the start of the visit which would be opened only after the departure of US president," the official said.

A list has been made of all the criminal elements in these areas and a strict vigil is being maintained, he added.

"CCTV cameras have been installed at all the passages from Nepal in order to check any possible infiltration and control rooms have been set up by security agencies," he said.

The official said an awareness campaign has also been launched in the villages of the 85 km long border to encourage people to share information about any suspicious activities.

Patrolling has been intensified in the adjoining forest areas and help of the police and revenue department is being taken to identify unknown people moving about in their areas, he added.