New Delhi: One civilian was killed and three others injured after at least 17 rounds were fired from Nepal’s side near the border in Bihar’s Sitamarhi district at 8.40 am Friday.
According to sources, although it is certain that the firing was started by the Nepal Prahari (Police), their motive is still unclear.
“The one person who has died and the three injured are all locals and work in the area. We are certain that the firing was done by the Nepal Police from across the border. More than 17 rounds were fired with a 7.62 SLR rifle. The incident happened on Friday morning,” a source said.
Tension between Indian and Nepal has been brewing since May after Kathmandu released a controversial new political map, which shows the disputed territories of Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani within its borders.
According to the same source, the local police from Sonbarsa police station was called in first, and then the Sashastra Seema Bal was informed.
“We received a call in the morning about firing near the border. A police team reached the spot to find four persons who had sustained bullet wounds. While one died on the spot, the other three sustained severe wounds on their legs, arms, abdomen, and are critical,” a police officer from Bihar told ThePrint on the phone.
According to a second source, the SSB team was on patrolling duty at the time of the incident and was informed about it by the police.
“The SSB team was not present at the spot as it was on patrolling duty. After the local police were informed about the incident, the team went there. A detailed report on the incident is being prepared and will be shared with the headquarters in Delhi,” a second source said.
Also read: Kathmandu crossed red lines. India-Nepal relations are entering a deep freeze
At some stage it must be acknowledged that Indian foreign policy has entered a cul de sac. A professional diplomatic corps should not have allowed things to come to this pass.