India Beefs Up Security Ahead Nepal-Maoist Elections

ANCHOR:
Elections are coming up for Nepal, where Maoist rebels will now be running for office. This comes after years of violence caused by the rebels. In preparation for any problems during the elections, Indian authorities are beefing up security along the Indo-Nepal border in India's northern Uttar Pradesh.

STORY:
The government in Nepal and Maoist rebels have set April 10 for elections. The new national assembly is expected to create a new constitution and formally declare an end to the nearly 240-year-old monarchy.

According to India's Shashastra Seema Bal (SSB), security has been beefed up and precautionary steps are being taken to ensure peaceful elections in Nepal.

Gopal Sharma, SSB]:
"Before the elections, the border posts will be put on high alert. We would ensure that elections are carried out peacefully and there is no effect on the Indian side."

Special camps are also being organized to train the security forces to cope with any violent incidents between the Maoists and government forces.

The vote is the centerpiece of the 2006 peace deal with the Maoists, allowing the Maoist rebels to take part in elections.

After a peace deal reached last November the elections in the Himalayan nation were earlier scheduled for Nov 22 but were postponed as the Maoists quit the interim government. That plunged Nepal into a crisis which was subsequently resolved.

Category:

News & Politics

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• nepal
• maoist
• rebels
• india
• elections