Maoists’ infiltration/intrusions into India from the neighbouring Nepal has always been a cause of serious concern. The infiltration/intrusion from the neighbouring country is likely to increase in the wake of proposed election in Nepal . Experts on Nepal affairs in India say that vigilance at the India-Nepal border areas need to be stepped up in the wake of proposed elections. Their concern is based on recent developments in Uttrakhand, which shares its border with Nepal.

The youth wing members of the Communist Party of Nepal( Maoist) hoisted its flag late last week at No man’s land between India and Nepal leading to tension in the area. Surprisingly, this incident happened in less than a week after a review meeting between India and Nepal on law and order situation along the border.

This is not the first time when young brigade of the Maoists’ party has unfurled the flag. Brigade members have done it for the second time by unfurling the red flag on the border. In response, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) workers tried to unfurl the national flag at No man’s land in Tanakpur on last Wednesday. The Seema Suraksha Bal (SSB) tried to prevent them by using force. This led to a tension in the area.

The problem with this particular area is quite unique as people on either side of the border belong to two nationalities. There has been a close association between them. It is often said that they have "roti-beti relations" between them. Cross-border weddings are commonplace and people hop across in search of jobs. There are many who own property on both sides of the border. The area police said that the Maoists, including women cadre, were accompanied by two CPN(M) MPs and were protesting against "land grab by Indians".

According to available reports, India-Nepal border was marked with pillars and no fencing could be seen. The Maoists had reportedly shifted the pillars and had occupied over half-a-kilometre area inside the Indian territory .

Knowing its ramifications, the Uttarakhand Home Department wrote a letter to the Centre to draw its attention. This was the third time in the last few days when the state home department apprised the center about the tense situation prevailing in the area. The centre’s action can bring a sigh of relief but it is still awaited.

Intrusions/infiltrations into India from neighbouring Nepal are not new. Reasons are many. One of the top reason is the Maoist problem. Though the Maoists have now become partners of the government in the Himalayan Kingdom , yet their cadres continue to behave like rebels and try to expand their activities within Nepal and outside by using force. It is evident from the fact that their links can be found with the Naxals in Bihar , the People's War in Andhra Pradesh and other armed leftist movements in India and even Bangladesh .

Infact, in Chhattisgarh police on Tuesday arrested three suspected Maoists including the wife of a top rebel, while also seizing a huge cache of weapons and wireless sets. The rebel identified as Gursa Usendi runs the Maoists’ operation in Chattisgarh. The police found eight bags full of weapons in this connection. Experts on Nepal affairs say that the possibility of Nepali Maoists’ link can not be ruled out in this matter.

However, there is need to take concrete steps on the Indo-Nepal border as well as areas where Maoists from Nepal have found supporting groups. Getting over the crisis should be the immediate concern. Developing a common understanding in consultation with friendly neighbour is a matter of strategy.