Continue with Google
KATHMANDU: Against the backdrop of rising security concerns in South Asia, a high-level seminar organized in the capital on Wednesday brought together leading voices from politics, the military, and academia to confront a growing regional threat—terrorism.
The seminar, titled “Terrorism in South Asia: Challenges to Regional Peace and Security,” echoed a common message: the region must unite in the face of a challenge that knows no boundaries and affects all, regardless of national borders or political divides.
Addressing the seminar hosted by the Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE), Sunil Bahadur Thapa, Advisor to the President and former Minister of Industry, delivered a stark warning. “Lashkar-e-Taiba has operational links with Al-Qaeda and is active in Nepal, using the country as a transit route,” he said, underlining how transnational terrorist networks exploit Nepal’s open borders and limited security coordination. Thapa stressed the urgent need for a coordinated regional security mechanism and effective de-radicalisation programs to prevent further escalation.
'Sameer' is not about terrorism but idea of terrorism
Former Defence Minister Dr. Minendra Rijal painted a broader picture of the consequences. “A terrorist attack in India doesn’t stop at the border—it spills over into Nepal, economically and socially,” he said. Rijal underscored how terrorism has long derailed South Asia’s economic integration and urged countries to adopt a united front, akin to the global response seen after the 9/11 attacks in the United States.
Adding a financial dimension to the debate, Member of Parliament and former Minister Chanda Chaudhary warned that money laundering remains a key enabler of cross-border terrorism. "Unless we trace and cut off illicit financial flows, we will continue to feed the problem," she said.
Former Minister for Foreign Affairs and Irrigation NP Saud echoed similar concerns, advocating for a clear, action-oriented regional mechanism to deal with terrorism. “Terrorism does not discriminate,” he reminded the audience. “It threatens everyone—rich or poor, developed or developing.”
Offering a military perspective, Dr. Purna Silwal, a former Major General in the Nepal Army, urged regional actors to move away from double standards in counter-terrorism. “Selective responses only deepen mistrust and strengthen radical forces,” he warned.
The seminar drew over 150 participants, including members of the diplomatic corps, civil society, security forces, journalists, and scholars. The discussions highlighted not just the threats looming over the region but also the collective will and responsibility to confront them.
