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The border guarding forces of Nepal and India are discussing wide-ranging issues related to border security and management, at a time when Nepal is grappling with a 6.4 magnitude quake and aftershocks that have left behind a trail of death and devastation. 

The seventh edition of bilateral talks between the Armed Police Force and Sashatra Seema Bal kicked off in New Delhi on Monday. According to officials, the two sides are discussing measures to curb trans-frontier crimes and timely sharing of intelligence inputs, among other issues.

As per the SSB, “the annual talks on mutual issues have been held alternatively in India and Nepal since 2012”.

This annual meet is significant as the heads of APF and SSB engage in discussions on border-related matters such as trans-border crimes and intelligence-sharing. The meeting also helps in strengthening coordination between the two border guarding forces for more effective management of the open and unfenced India-Nepal border.

APF and SSB are also expected to raise other issues such as effective border management, a new mechanism to collaboratively combat trans-border crimes, facilitation of real-time information and exchange of critical information.

The last coordination meeting between the two border guarding forces was held at Kathmandu in Sept 2022. 

The government has urged the bodies concerned to carry out works for the prevention of possible disease outbreak, malnutrition and psycho-social problems following the earthquake and for their proper management.

Ministry spokesman Dr Prakash Budhathoki said the Ministry has urged all the concerned agencies for the same.

He said the Ministry has today mobilized a three-member team from the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division to the earthquake-hit areas for assessing in coordination with the provinces the likelihood of disease outbreak. 

The Ministry stated that the people injured due to the earthquake and its aftershocks are being provided medical treatment at the health post and hospitals at the respective local level wards or at the provincial hospital in the district.

Among those injured persons referred for treatment, 19 are receiving treatment at the Provincial Hospital Surkhet, 46 at the Bheri Hospital Nepalgunj, eight at the TU Teaching Hospital Kathmandu and one at the National Trauma Centre.

North Korea has decided to shut down its embassy in Kathmandu in the wake of heightened geopolitical tensions, realignment of its priorities and a crunch of resources.

North Korean Ambassador to Nepal Jo Yong Man has informed Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal about his government’s decision to close the embassy. After the establishment of diplomatic relations on 15 May 1974, North Korea opened its residential embassy in Kathmandu but Nepal did not reciprocate. Before establishing formal diplomatic ties, the two countries had signed a Bilateral Trade Agreement in 1970. 

Rupak Sapkota, Prime Minister’s Foreign Policy Advisor, confirmed that the North Korean ambassador has informed Dahal about the decision. On Monday, the diplomat held a farewell meeting with PM Dahal. The embassy has started its exit process after informing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to Sapkota, PM Dahal expressed sadness over the decision and expressed hope that North Korea will reopen its embassy in Nepal soon. According to sources, geopolitical factors and economic recession have caused North Korea to decrease the numbers of embassies abroad.

Before 2019, North Korea had been operating its businesses, including some restaurants in Kathmandu, to generate income for the operation of embassies. The country started shutting down its businesses in Nepal after the UN imposed economic sanctions against it in 2018. 

Last week, the North Korean Foreign Ministry informed Nepal that it was closing down several embassies. “We are carrying out operations to withdraw and establish diplomatic missions in accordance with a changing global environment and national foreign policy,” a North Korean foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement on Friday, adding that while some embassies would close, others would open. The changes are “part of the regular affairs to promote national interest through external relations,” the spokesperson added.

The Karnali Province government has handed over Rs 24.5 million to the earthquake survivors of Jajarkot, Rukum Paschim and Salyan districts.

A total of 16 local levels from these districts were provided monetary support.

Bheri and Nalgadh Municipalities and Barekot Rural Municipality of Jajarkot were provided Rs 2.5 million each, while Kushe Rural Municipality Rs 2 million, Chhedgad Municipality and Junichande Rural Municipality Rs 1 million each.

Government spokesperson and Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, Krishna Bahadur GC, shared this information. He added that Shivalaya Rural Municipality was provided half million rupees.

Similarly, in Rukum Paschim district, Athbiskot and Sanibheri Municipalities got Rs 2.5 million each, while Chaurajahari and Triveni Rural Municipality got Rs 2 million each. Musikot Municipality got Rs 1 million and Banphikot Rural Municipality received half million rupees.

Darma Rural Municipality of Salyan was provided Rs 1.5 million and Bagchaur and Bangad Kupinde Municipality each got half million rupees.

Jajarkot and Rukum Paschim suffered worst in the November 3 earthquake.