Nepal and India’s border forces have agreed to launch a joint campaign to address the longstanding land encroachment along the no-man’s land.

The decision came during a meeting on Sunday at Armed Border Security Force Battalion 12 in Kalaiya, attended by local officials and battalion-level commanders from both countries.

The decision was taken after complaints about residents on both sides illegally claiming and using the no-man’s land for houses and farming.

Armed Police Force (APF) chiefs from Bara, Parsa, and Rautahat, along with India’s Sashastra Seema Bal Battalion 71, 44, and 47 commanders, discussed coordinated action. APF Superintendent Khum Bahadur KC said the campaign will tackle encroachment, enhance border security, maintain boundary pillars, prevent crime, and curb illegal movement, smuggling, drugs, and human trafficking.

He said that joint patrols and information sharing between local and battalion-level commanders will be implemented, and public awareness will be raised to prevent illegal land grabs. Local governments will issue notices soon.