Experts from India and Nepal were unanimous on the view that both the countries should continue with the free border concept but at the same time ensure that their land is not being used by terrorists and anti national activities.
Speaking with The Pioneer on the sidelines of the seminar, the former foreign secretary of India, Shashank said that two countries share 1850 km long border which is freely permeable. He said that it is responsibility of both the countries that this open long border is better managed and is not vulnerable.
Dwelling on worrying aspects in the sub continent Shashank said that recently schisms have opened up within Islam and these different groups would pose a threat to the security of all the nations of the region in near future.
Former Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Ranjit Rae also expressed similar views on border management. He said that there should be more people to people contact between the two neighbours. Former Chief of Nepal Army, General Gaurav Shumsher JB Rana said that open border between India and Nepal is a unique thing and nowhere in the world has such preposition existed.
Former Chief of Nepal Police, Inspector General Police Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan said that cross border infiltration of terrorists and other offenders is a major concern for both the countries.
He said that Nepal and its people do not want that their soil is used for Anti India activities. Pradhan said that India should help in increasing the capability of Nepalese security agencies. He added that intelligence inputs should be shared and there should be no blame game between the countries on security issues. Instead the two friends should work in ensuring a better border management, he added.