By Rajan Rawat, Simikot, June 21: The Humla locals have been elated after the Border Outpost (BoP) of Armed Police Force (APF) was established in Hilsa, Nepal-China border.

A team of Nepali Army (NA) had flown to Hilsa border via helicopter to set up the BoP.

Inaugurating the BoP amid a special ceremony, Prajabhakta Shrestha, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of APF said, “In the course establishing BoPs throughout the country, the BoP has been set up in Hilsa for the first time.”

Shrestha said that it was the utmost priority of the BoP to guard the border and prevent and control other criminal activities. “Moreover, the BoP will also keep surveillance on activities that take place against the two nations,” he added.

Stating that a team of 25 APF personnel would stay in BoP under the leadership of an APF Inspector, DIG Shrestha said that the BoP established in Hilsa border point was the first of its kind to be established in Karnali State.

The BoP currently has been set up in a rented house.

A team led by Mohan Bista, Deputy Superintendent of Police from APF 44 No. Company, had reached Hilsa few days earlier to set up the outpost by sweeping away 4,000 meter long snow.

Speaking in the inauguration ceremony, Chiranjibi Giri, Chief District Officer (CDO), said that the BoP would help in regulating the border especially during economic and tourism season.

CDO Giri said that establishment of the BoP was a matter of pride for all Humla resident. However, all kinds of activities in the border have come to a halt due to fear of COVID-19, he added.

“Operation of a well-managed BoP at the border has spread immense joy among Humla locals,” said Karma Lama, a hotelier at Hilsa.

Although the decision to establish the outpost at Hilsa border was made last year, the outpost had not been set up due to various technical reasons.

Prior to this, the Nepal Police had been guarding the border by setting up Border Security Post.

The BoP is yet to be established in Lapcha of Namkha Gaupalika, Chuwakhola of Simikot Gaupalika and Tanke of Chankheli Gaupalika in Nepal-China border.