Tension mounted along the Indo-Nepal border near lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday after a Nepalese man was allegedly shot by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) firing.
India has denied that the Nepalese man, identified as Govinda Gautam, was killed in the SSB firing following a dispute over the construction of a culvert on Sano Khola river along the Indo-Nepal border. The SSB claimed that seven of its jawans were injured during stone-pelting by Nepalese nationals.
According to reports, Nepalese citizens pelted stones after the SSB jawans objected to the permanent construction work on a disputed land near Pillar No. 200 along the border near Basahi village. The Area Magistrate rushed to the spot and took up the matter with Nepalese authorities. However, Nepalese locals alleged that SSB fired in the air to disperse crowd during which the bullet hit 20-year-old Gautam.
In response to queries from the local media, the Indian embassy said in a statement, “It is categorically denied that there was any incident of firing by Sashastra Seema Bal.”
Meanwhile, the Indian Government said it is carefully monitoring the situation in the Saptari sector where the Madhesis dissatisfaction over the Constitution Amendment is once again on the fore.
“Peace and stability in Nepal are of paramount interest to us. We are seriously concerned at the recent violent clashes which you mentioned and in which several people lost their lives. We conveyed our condolences to the families of the deceased. We urge all sides to exercise restraint and to avoid any action that may vitiate the atmosphere further,”
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Gopal Baglay said on Thursday.
He added that on the recent political developments in Nepal, India has maintained a consistent view that political leaders in Nepal should address the Constitution issue through dialogue and consultations with participation of all sections of its society. “India will continue to support efforts for peace, progress and stability in Nepal,” Baglay said.
In Saptari district four Madhesi activists have been killed in firing by the Nepal Police in Terai region after a fresh bout of violence engulfed the area. The Indo-Nepal border was briefly closed to prevent spill over entering the Indian side.