Kathmandu: Nepal has assured India that
it will accord priority to its concern on cross-border
infiltration by criminals and terrorists taking advantage of
the open border between the two nations.
The assurance came at a meeting between visiting
Indian Army chief General V K Singh and his Nepalese
counterpart General Chhatra Man Singh Gurung yesterday, Nepal
Army sources said on Tuesday.
"The senior army officials also expressed Nepal`s
commitment in launching campaign against rising terrorism
menace in global context and assured to address with priority
the concern shown by India regarding possible infiltration by
criminals and terrorists taking the advantage of the open
border between the two countries," the sources said.
India has expressed concern over cross-border
terrorist activities through Nepal, which shares nearly 1850
km open border with India.
The two top commanders, during the meeting, also
discussed various issues, including matters relating to
expanding bilateral relations between the two armies.
Besides, senior Nepalese army officials briefed Singh
about the army`s contribution in help maintaining peace and
security in the country, assistance in development and
construction works, disaster management works and wildlife
preservation activities among others.
Singh, who is on a four-day visit to Nepal,
visited tourist hub Pokhara where he inspected pension camps
and met Indian Army veterans.
Addressing the ex-Nepal Army in Pokhara, Singh said he
will be making an extra effort to maintain friendly relations
between the two countries.
Later in the day, he will visit pilgrim site Jomsom at
the mountainous region in northern part of the country
bordering China. In Jomsom, Singh is scheduled to inspect
Mountain Warfare School being operated by Nepal Army, where
some Indian Army cadres are receiving training, sources said.
Gen Singh, who is leading a six-member delegation of
the Indian Army, arrived here yesterday.
Signifying the close relationship between the two
militaries, General Singh will be conferred the honorary rank
of General of the Nepal Army tomorrow by President Ram Baran
Yadav, who is the Supreme Commander of the country`s armed
forces.
This is the second visit of an incumbent Indian army
chief in a year to receive the honorary title. General Deepak
Kapoor, the then Indian Army chief was also decorated with the
honorary rank of General of the Nepal Army in January.
Tomorrow, he will call on Prime Minister Madhav Kumar
Nepal and Defence Minister Vidya Devi Bhandari. Gen Singh will
also visit Birendra Peace Works Training Centre at Panchkhal
in the east of Kathmandu.
PTI
