Armed Police Force IG Poudel: Joint Security Base to be Established in Bajura-Humla Border Area

Kathmandu. Inspector General of the Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal, Narayan Prasad Paudel, has informed that preparations are underway to establish a joint security base in the disputed border area of Bajura and Humla. Speaking at a meeting of the Federalism Strengthening and National Concerns Committee under the National Assembly, he informed that the process has been advanced to establish a joint permanent base camp of the Armed Police and Nepal Police in that area. Inspector General Paudel stated that a plan to establish a joint permanent base has been prepared and submitted to the relevant bodies. According to him, a dispute had arisen regarding the establishment of a security post in that area. Although the tension is currently under control, he emphasized the need to address technical demarcation, investigation of the incident, and local public sentiment in parallel for a long-term solution. Mentioning that the area is extremely sensitive and strategically important, he clarified that it is a major route for the production and transportation of valuable herbs. He stated that disputes arise because residents of both Bajura and Humla districts try to keep the area under their access. He said that the main basis for resolving the dispute is technical and geographical demarcation, and the committee formed by the central government will make a concrete decision. In the committee meeting, Inspector General Paudel said, 'This is a disputed area. It is particularly related to the establishment of a security post. It is also a very sensitive area, falling on an important transit route. Since valuable herbs are produced and transported there, there has been repeated discord and dispute between the local residents of both Bajura and Humla districts regarding access and use of the area since the past. In the recent past, the situation that arose after the provincial government decided to establish a security post in that area has created conflict.' He added, 'A joint team of Nepal Police and Armed Police Force (APF) has been deployed there. Currently, the team has established a temporary base there and is conducting regular patrols. The security situation is currently normal and under control. The joint security team is currently working temporarily. Furthermore, a plan has been prepared and submitted to the relevant bodies with the objective of establishing a joint permanent base of Nepal Police and Armed Police Force. The most important issue is the technical and demarcation aspect. Clarifying the demarcation issue is essential for the long-term resolution of this dispute. Until this issue is resolved, a permanent solution to the dispute does not seem possible.' According to Inspector General Paudel, the disputed site is more than 100 kilometers away from the headquarters of Bajura. Due to the difficult geographical conditions, it takes 8-9 hours of travel by vehicle on 80 kilometers of unpaved road to reach that area, followed by an additional 12-13 hours of walking. He informed that the security situation in the area is normal as the team of both security bodies has established a temporary base and is conducting regular patrols.