By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, May 10: In November 2019, the government had decided to establish seven border outposts (BoPs) only in northern Nepal, including one at Chhangru in Darchula district.

It is the Armed Police Force (APF) that has to establish the BoP in the border points of Nepal that are connected with India and China.

But as of today, the APF has set up only one BoP at Kimathanka in Sankhuwasabha district in seven months after the government took the decision.

Among the proposed seven BoPs, the APF has to set up BoPs at Hilsha of Humla, Lhomangthan of Mustang, Chhangru of Darchula, Taplejung, Rasuwa, and Sindhupalchowk districts. Establishing six BoPs remains pending.

In regard to delay in the establishment of the BoP at Chhangru of Darchula district at a time when India inaugurated the 22-km road constructed in Nepali territory in Lipu Lekh, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and spokesperson at the APF Headquarters Prabin Kumar Shrestha said that the process had been delayed due to lack of government land, adding work was underway to bring some land under government
registration.

"Until then, the APF has planned to set up the BoP there by taking a house or land on rent after finding appropriate place," DIG Shrestha said.

Although the budget for BoP at Chhangru was made available to the APF, the processes could not move ahead due to the lack of land and proper place to set up the BoP.

Besides, transporting logistics and foods there for a year is a tough task due to difficult geographical terrain, he said.

DIG Shrestha said that before the lockdown came into force in Nepal, the APF had, however, set up 13 BoPs in the south, including one in Taplejung.

In one BoP, thereare 35 security personnel.

Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal had last week announced to increase the BoPs to 500. For this, the APF has already sought additional 9,000 vacancies.

Nepal currently has only 121 BoPs, mostly in border with India in the south.

The government had already decided to add 100 BoPs in the border with India and China.