This refers to the report, “IM founder Yasin Bhatkal nabbed” (August 30).
The arrest of Yasin Bhatkal, the brain behind the Indian Mujahideen, has again put the spotlight on the crucial issues of national security, the porous India-Nepal border and the absence of an extradition treaty with Nepal. These are serious concerns, as on numerous occasions the source of drugs, counterfeit currency, infiltration by jihadi elements who perpetrate acts of terrorism in our country, have been traced to some unfriendly neighbours. Our porous border with Nepal has proved to be a haven for terrorists who easily escape to that country after each terror attack. Reportedly, the Pakistan intelligence agency, the ISI too exploits the vulnerability of the India-Nepal border to pump in fake currency, arms, drugs and terrorist elements into India.
The Government needs to address the issue of fencing the border with Nepal, as has been done at our western borders. It would help also to set up checkposts, deploy more security personnel and introduce a visa system to curtail infiltration/illegal entry into India.