On Monday (10) the Nepal Police stated that they were vigilant about the potential arrival of fugitive radical preacher Amritpal Singh, who was recently added to the country's watchlist.
Poshraj Pokharaj Pokharel, a spokesperson for Nepal Police, confirmed that they had not received any reports of Amritpal entering Nepal, in response to local media speculations.
Nevertheless, the spokesperson emphasised that Nepal Police remained alert.
The spokesperson also refuted claims that Indian security personnel had entered Nepal to track down the pro-Khalistan preacher.
According to reports, India had urged Nepal to stay vigilant for any signs of Amritpal's arrival.
However, the Nepal Police have confirmed that they have no evidence of his entry into the country thus far.
Amritpal has been evading the authorities since March 18, when the police began their pursuit of him. He is believed to possess multiple passports with varying identities.
The fugitive preacher managed to evade the police and escape when his convoy was intercepted in Punjab's Jalandhar district.
On Monday, authorities announced the apprehension of Amritpal’s associate, Papalpreet Singh, in Amritsar district, who was detained under the National Security Act.
Officials reported that Nepal's Department of Immigration had added Singh to its surveillance list last month, following a request from the Indian Embassy.
Meanwhile, lawmaker Raghuji Panta of the CPN-UML party expressed concern about the open border between Nepal and India, which has become a refuge for criminals. Panta has urged the government to take measures to control it.
(With inputs from PTI)
Michael Gove
Jeremy Hunt
