Bihar on High Alert: CM Nitish Kumar Reviews Border Security Amid Operation Sindoor
Bihar on High Alert: CM Nitish Kumar Reviews Border Security Amid Operation Sindoor
In the wake of escalating tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has initiated a comprehensive review of the state’s border security. The operation, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, targeted multiple terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir .
On May 10, CM Kumar is set to visit the Seemanchal region, particularly Purnia, to hold high-level meetings with senior officials from border districts. The following day, he will proceed to East Champaran’s Raxaul, a critical town sharing a border with Nepal, to further assess the security situation .
Intensified Security Measures Across Border Districts
Bihar shares a 729-kilometer porous border with Nepal, making it susceptible to unauthorized crossings and potential security threats. In response, the state has ramped up security across seven border districts, including Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Supaul, Araria, and both East and West Champaran .
The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has intensified patrolling, and leaves for its personnel have been canceled to ensure round-the-clock vigilance. Additionally, state police are collaborating closely with the SSB to monitor key border regions and enhance the security of vital institutions .
Arrest of Foreign Nationals Raises Concerns
Amid the heightened security, four Chinese nationals were arrested on May 8 while attempting to enter India illegally through the Raxaul border in East Champaran district. The individuals lacked valid visas and were accompanied by two Nepalese guides, who were later released after interrogation. The arrested individuals were found with Chinese passports, mobile phones, and Chinese currency .
In a separate incident, a 45-year-old Tibetan national was apprehended near Kishanganj while attempting to cross into Nepal through an unauthorized route. The individual possessed Indian identification documents but struggled to communicate in Hindi, raising suspicions about his intentions .
Statewide Emergency Preparedness Initiatives
To bolster civilian preparedness, Bihar conducted a ten-minute mock drill on May 7 across seven cities, simulating blackout scenarios to assess war readiness among residents . The state plans to increase its civil defense volunteer force by incorporating members from the NCC, NSS, Scout-Guide, and Aapda Mitra organizations. Citizens are also encouraged to participate voluntarily.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Disaster Management Department, Pratyaya Amrit, emphasized the importance of these drills in enhancing the state’s emergency response capabilities.
CM Nitish Kumar’s Call for Vigilance and Unity
During a high-level meeting in Patna, CM Nitish Kumar directed officials to remain vigilant and monitor the spread of misinformation, particularly on social media platforms. He urged the public not to panic, assuring them of the government’s commitment to maintaining security and order .
The Chief Minister also praised the Indian Army’s efforts during Operation Sindoor, stating that the entire nation stands united against terrorism and is proud of the armed forces’ valor.