KATHMANDU, Aug 2: Deputy Prime and Home Minister Bhim Rawal on Monday said that intelligence from Indian security agencies claiming that terrorists had targeted Koshi barrage in Nepal was not conveyed as per diplomatic practise.
Addressing the parliament Deputy Prime Minister Rawal said, “Any country having intelligence report against another country should convey it through diplomatic channels or established mechanism.” The information related to the Islamic State allegedly targeting the Koshi barrage shouldn't have come through local authorities and merely through a letter of instruction to tackle security threats, he said.
The intelligence shared by the local Indian police with their Nepali counterparts was later made public by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.
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Additional security personnel were deployed for the security of the barrage in Saptari and Sunsari districts after receiving the intelligence from the Indian authorities. Also, all the security agencies in Nepal were put on high alert.
“It was pointless to be influenced by such unverified information when Nepal is capable of protecting its infrastructures,” he stressed while briefing the parliament.
The minister also informed the parliament about the ongoing rescue, relief and search operations and other measures of disaster management in the wake of floods and landslides because of the torrential rains across the country.
“So far 102 people have lost their lives, 22 are still missing and 58 were injured since last week in 43 districts,” Minister Rawal informed the parliament. The Central Disaster Relief Committee (CDRC) had demanded Rs 750 million for disaster management, and rescue and relief was effectively carried out promptly and effectively, according to the minister.
He also informed that thousands of victims were rehabilitated to safer zones, sufficient medical attention was provided and a few were airlifted to Kathmandu for further treatments.
He also briefed parliament about the recent clash between the citizens of Nepal and India over the construction of a river diversion structure unanimously by the Indian side in Saptari. He said the construction work has been halted for now and high-level authorities from both the countries will discuss the issue and arrive at an amicable solution. The government is mulling bearing the treatment cost of the seven Nepali villagers injured in the clash.
Meanwhile, Rawal, who is also Minister for Defense, has lauded the role of the Nepal Army in disaster management and rescue operations, according to Nepal Army Directorate of Public Relations. The minister has also sought the need of modernizing the military force to make the institution stable and more professional for effective execution of responsibilities related to national security.
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