Indian authorities have constructed a 3-km road, encroaching the no man’s land in the bordering town of Bhitthamod in Bihar state.

As per international standards, no country can use no man’s land for any activities in 10 yard area on the either side of the border. The encroached land lies across Samsi of Mahottarai district.

The Indian side has constructed blacktopped road only few inches away from the border pillars. The road starts from Bhitthamod and passes through Sursand to reach Sitamadi. There is a huge Indian settlement south of the road while the Nepali side is relatively uninhabited.

The Nepali Border Outpost officials (BOP) have said that they have no knowledge of the construction of the pitch road. Locals from the Indian side of the border argue that Nepali officials are to blame for not keeping track of the construction.

Some areas along the border are difficult to identify as part of no man’s land due to the Indian encroachment, locals complain. “The Nepali authorities have turned a blind eye to the Indian activities along the border,” said a local leader from Mahottari, “Had the authority been concerned about the matter, this would not happen.”

Indian Seema Suraksha Bal official informed that the road constructed along the border is for temporary purpose. “The bridge along the previous blacktopped road is in poor condition so we have made a makeshift route from Dasgaja,” said the SSB official, “This is just for temporary purpose.”

Meanwhile, Mahottari Sashastra Seema Bal chief DSP Sundar Khadka said that he is unaware of the situation as he hasn’t gone to the area. “I will inform the Chief District Officer regarding the construction after a field observation,” said DSP Khadka.