KATHMANDU: Nepal’s formerly high-ranking army, intelligence, police, Armed Police Force, and security officials have drawn the attention of the government and existing security apparatus towards growing terrorism threats in Nepal and India.

Taking part in a debate on “Terrorism Threats in South Asia” organized by Khabarhub at the Pavilion Hall in Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, on Friday, former head of Nepal’s main intelligence agency National Investigation Department (NID), retired Inspector Generals of Armed Police Force and high-ranking army and police officers called on the government to be vigilant as militants threats were growing in the region following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. The participants also warned the government to pay attention to terrorist acts and cautioned over the potential use of Nepalese territories against India by the terror groups.

Officials suggested the government beef up mechanisms related to the monitoring of terrorist activities, money laundering, among others.

Participants pointed out several counter-terrorism challenges, including the potential use of the open border by terrorist groups, mostly to carry out activities against India. Likewise, Nepal equally faced legal, technical, resource challenges and threats of terrorist groups that could misuse Nepal’s land against India.