Nepal confiscates FICN Worth Eight Crore Rupees

New Delhi, Jan 21, IRNA -- Nepal has confiscated fake Indian currency notes (FICN) in the face value of eight crore rupees and conveyed to India that it would not allow any anti-India activity on its soil. Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister, Bijay Gachhadar, said New Delhi has promised Kathmandu to help it enhancing border and aviation security and modernising its law enforcement agencies. Gachhadar, who met Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, told reporters that his country was taking strong action against those involved in circulation of FICN and has confiscated FICN in the face value of eight crore rupees in recent times. 'We have assured the Indian government that our territory will not be allowed to be used for activities inimical to India's interest,' he said. The Deputy Prime Minister said his country was committed to providing all necessary cooperation and assistance in security matters and India would provide Nepal help in strengthening border and aviation security, particularly at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan international airport. India is always concerned about the security at Nepal airport as Indian Airlines aircraft the IC 814 was hijacked and taken to Kandahar by Pakistan-based militants after it had taken off from Tribhuvan international airport in December 1999. The airport's immigration facilities will be modernized for smooth transit of passengers to and from the Himalayan country with Indian help. Gachhadar and Chidambaram discussed wide ranging issues like counter-terrorist activities, curbing cross-border crimes, circulation of FICN, smuggling of arms and ammunitions, trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic substances. Asked about the possibility of Nepal signing an extradition treaty with India, Gachhadar said the formalities for the pact are being worked out and the agreement would be signed soon. He said a bilateral meeting between the Home Ministers of the two countries are likely to be held soon./end