Borders are always an issue of conflict. Sometimes, due to the desire of a state to expand its territory, they are important to keep a check and maintain one’s sovereignty and being. Everywhere, we find thick physical lines. But in spite of these forced (forced because the human nature, the human “spirit” does not like such boundaries) boundaries imposed upon us, these boundaries are unable to separate us completely. Still it is true that rivers flow from one country to another by crossing boundaries, mountains spread over one to another and so are human emotions and relations.  No landlocked boundary in this world can be in existence in such a way that nobody can cross it.

In fact, these political boundaries are in a broader view violation of human rights too. It is because the Nature created no boundaries. ‘We all are born equal and free ‘(Universal Declaration of Human Rights) and thus any such restrictions are against human nature and thus human dignity. In the contrast, Human always breaks the man made rules and tends to move towards its natural movement. People cross boundaries legally and illegally, sometimes in search of employment, a better education, or a safe haven, in hope of better life and sometimes just for the leisure of travelling. This reflects the basic nature of humans and thus the right it should have. Boundaries are against the rights of human, boundaries also create differences. Though, like all other debates, there will be a certain group of people who will favour the boundary and restriction, for a common human being, it is not important and is in fact, illogical to be confined.

But there is a border of exception. In the South Asian Region there lies a boundary between two countries, but it gives the message of peace and mutual trust rather than hate, and restrictions. It is more towards freedom rather than binding a person within a confined political boundary. It is like a bond of trust when it comes to the common people of the two countries. This is the border between India and Nepal. India and Nepal are similar in many ways. There is a deep cultural bond that binds people. But the best part of our mutual relation lies in our borders that are free to citizens of both countries. On the other side, Nepal has restricted border with China. Similarly, India too has restricted borders with all other neighbors.

When it comes to movement, it is also observed that movements to and from Nepal or India are quite frequent among the citizens. This free border is not only instrumental in trade and economical growth, benefiting two different markets, but also helping build understanding and cultural ties.

At a time when all countries of SAARC are facing the same challenge of development, hunger, poverty, unemployment, illegal migration any so many other problem, we have made our borders more restricted for our people. Though, this restriction may act positively for some reasons this positive effect is very limited and affects certain populations and will certainly not benefit the whole region. On the other side, if all SAARC countries can join each other towards the path of growth, together, it can definitely benefit all the countries.

It is also known to us that all those who live in nearby range on both sides of the border share similar language, traditions and culture.

Nepal-India border, in these terms, present an example that should bring the attention of SAARC region.

We hope that the day will come when we, the people of SAARC region, will be able to enjoy the freedom of movement, meet with each other easily and be able to share and experience each other's culture thereby mutually benefitting.

It’s not that the Nepal-India borders are free from problems but that are manageable if concerned authorities of the two countries collaborate in a better way. Closing the borders, as few people would want, would be a ruthless move.

(The writer is an Indian national based in New Delhi. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

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