UNIPA News(Kathmandu) 15 June-Nepal has formally sought an explanation from India after an Indian military helicopter carrying a senior border security official allegedly entered Nepali airspace without prior authorization in the northwestern district of Darchula on June 10, according to local administrative and security officials.
Authorities said the helicopter, which was transporting Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, entered Nepali airspace over Ward No. 1 of Byas Rural Municipality at around 10:00 a.m. before flying above Chhangru village and proceeding toward the Kalapani region.
The incident was observed by personnel of Nepal’s Armed Police Force (APF) stationed in Chhangru, who reported the matter through security and administrative channels to higher authorities. Local officials later confirmed that the flight had taken place without prior clearance from the Government of Nepal.
Assistant Chief District Officer of Darchula Mohan Singh Dhami said the administration had verified the unauthorized entry and was seeking clarification from Indian authorities through official diplomatic and administrative channels. According to officials, weather conditions in the area were clear at the time of the flight, and no immediate emergency circumstances were reported.
Residents of Chhangru also reported witnessing the helicopter flying directly over the settlement, an unusual occurrence compared with the regular helicopter movements along routes near the border.
The incident has renewed attention to long-standing disputes surrounding the Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura region, an area claimed by both Nepal and India. The territorial disagreement intensified in 2019 following the publication of a new Indian map that included the disputed areas. In response, Nepal adopted a revised political map in 2020 through a constitutional amendment incorporating the territories within its national boundaries.
The latest episode follows previous complaints by Nepal regarding alleged airspace violations in the Darchula region. In 2021, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged a diplomatic protest with India over similar concerns involving military helicopter flights near the border.
Nepal subsequently increased its security presence in the frontier area, including the deployment of additional APF personnel and the establishment of border security infrastructure in Chhangru and Tinkar.
Former Nepali Army Lieutenant General Sharad Giri described the reported entry of a foreign military aircraft into national airspace as a serious issue requiring official clarification. He stated that even in the event of technical or operational difficulties, established procedures require prompt communication with the concerned authorities of the affected country.
Officials said the matter remains under review, while Nepal continues efforts to obtain a formal explanation regarding the flight.
