Security has been tightened across Bihar after intelligence inputs suggested that three suspected terrorists belonging to the Pakistan-based outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) may have infiltrated the state through the Indo-Nepal border.
The Bihar Police Headquarters on Thursday confirmed the alert and released sketches of the suspects to aid identification. Surveillance has been stepped up in border districts adjoining Nepal, including Sitamarhi, Motihari, and Bettiah, where cross-border movement is frequent.
High Political Activity Amid Security Alert
The heightened security threat comes at a sensitive time as political activity in Bihar intensifies ahead of Assembly polls later this year. Several high-profile leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, are scheduled to hold rallies and events in the coming weeks.
Rahul Gandhi is currently leading a 1,300-km ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ across 23 districts and 50 Assembly constituencies in the state. His campaign route passes through several Nepal-bordering districts, including Sitamarhi and Motihari, with the next phase scheduled to begin Friday from Bettiah.
Meanwhile, BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal announced earlier this week that Prime Minister Modi would visit Purnia on September 15 to inaugurate the newly built airport and announce major development projects for the Seemanchal region, a politically significant area near the Nepal border.
Central Agencies Monitoring Closely
According to officials, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and central intelligence agencies are keeping a close watch on the situation. Security forces have intensified patrols along the Indo-Nepal border, with inter-agency coordination enhanced to pre-empt any possible terror activity.
Police sources said the alert is precautionary but critical, given past instances of Pakistan-backed groups using the porous Indo-Nepal border to attempt entry into Indian territory.
Background of Security Concerns
The development underscores long-standing security vulnerabilities along the 700-km Bihar-Nepal border, which has been flagged by intelligence agencies as a potential infiltration route. With both Assembly elections and frequent high-profile political visits on the horizon, the state’s security apparatus has been placed on maximum alert.
