By Siraj Khan

Nepalgunj, Mar. 12 : A meeting held between Nepali and Indian authorities in Rupaidiha, India have discussed strategies to control cross-border crimes and strengthen border security.
The meeting was conducted at a time when the Uttar Pradesh State of India is preparing to hold the elections.

"In a bid to intensify security during the upcoming Uttar Pradesh´s election, officers of both neighboring districts had gathered to discuss strategies for strengthening border security," said Dirgha Raj Upadhyay, chief district officer of Banke.

The meeting discussed crime control strategies such as smuggling and human trafficking.

"We agreed with the Indian counterparts to intensify security on our side as well for the election period," said Upadhyay.

Authorities from Bahraich and Shravasti districts in Uttar Pradesh alongside senior police officials had requested Nepal to tighten security to avert possible cross-border crimes and facilitate them during the election, informed Chief of Banke District Police Senior Superintendent (SP) Om Rana.

The two sides also discussed other issues such as COVID-19 pandemic and wildlife poaching and trafficking.

A team led by Chief District Officer Upadhyay and SP Rana had accepted an invitation for the meeting where they discussed and agreed to intensify border surveillance and security.