Security forces and police along the Indo-Nepal border have been put on high alert after Tuesday’s political developments in Nepal. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the Central paramilitary force guarding the 1,751-km border, has been alerted to the possibility of infiltration from the other side following the withdrawal of the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoists from the G P Koirala-led coalition Government.

The Union Home Ministry, which sounded the alert after a meeting to review the situation, has also directed states sharing border with Nepal—Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim—to be watchful. The SSB and the state police forces have been asked to be vigilant against attempts by criminals to cross the border, which is porous and allows free movement of goods and people and smuggling of arms and ammunition.

The Government is particularly worried that criminals active in the Terai region could try to cross over and take refuge in India, Home Ministry sources said. “The border check posts have been advised to screen people crossing the border,” an official said. The concern is also driven by the belief that Maoists in Nepal were in close contact with groups active in India, particularly in Bihar, and members from either side cross the border frequently.

It is also keeping a close watch on former Maoists who have since given up arms and have been inducted into policing duties.