Q. 1330 NEPAL AS TERRORISM CENTRE

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government is aware that Nepal is becoming safe haven for international terrorism;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the likely effects on India’s security due to turning of Nepal into a haven for terrorists; and

(d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER: MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SMT. PRENEET KAUR)

(a) No. The Government of India does not have any specific information in this regard.

(b) & (c) Does not arise.

(d) Issues of mutual security concern are addressed through institutional mechanisms with Nepal on a regular basis. These mechanisms include, Home Secretary-level talks, Joint Working Group on Border Management, Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues and Director General Customs-level talks. At the local level, the meetings of Border Districts Coordination Committee are held regularly to enhance better coordination, information exchange and cooperation between security agencies on both sides of the border. In addition, all security-related concerns are taken up at political level interactions including at the highest level. The Government of Nepal has assured that it would not allow its territory to be used for any activity against India.

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