DARCHULA, June 8:Nepali migrants and locals continue to suffer ill treatment and humiliation at the hands of Indian Border Security Force (SSB) personnel at border points near Darchula district headquarters Khalanga due to the Nepal government’s apathy toward raising the issue with Indian authorities in their bilateral discussions.
Nanda Ram Lohar, a 52-year-old from Mahakali Municipality-1, has become the latest victim of SSB harassment. Lohar, a seasonal migrant worker, was badly beaten up at around 7:15 pm on Wednesday on the Indian side of the border bridge between Darchula, Nepal and Dharchula of India. Lohar was on his way home after working in India when he was beaten up by SSB Constable Indra Singh.
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The border bridge closes daily at 7:15 pm but can be opened again upon the request of travelers. On Wednesday, however, Constable Singh directly started manhandling Lohar after he made such a request. “There were 50 of us Nepalis accompanying Lohar but we did not intervene as Singh was threatening to beat us up also,” said Nara Dhami, a local. The locals have complained about the SSB’s regular mistreatment of Nepalis.
Following a complaint from Lohar, Deputy Superintendent of Nepal Police Navaraj Adhikari and DSP of Armed Police Force (APF) Ambika Prasad Joshi summoned SSB Commander Jodh Singh to inquire about the case. They indicated that relations between Indians and Nepalis will suffer because of this.
DSP Adhikari has said SSB personnel should behave properly at the border. A source said that SSB Commander Singh has ordered an investigation.
After being beaten up badly, Lohar was rescued by locals and rushed to the district hospital, where he is undergoing treatment for severe injuries to the head and face.
