Nepal Police Harass Those With Indian Number Plates

Police in Nepal, South Asia, have been accused of harassing drivers operating vehicles with Indian number plates in the country.

Nepal, a landlocked country, which is bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east and west, finally won its struggle for independence when it was declared a Federal Democratic Republic in December, 2007. Now, it has been accused of taking its power too far as police in the country's capital, Kathmandu, as well as other areas, are reportedly manhandling motorists with Indian car registrations.

A tour operator, Bikram Maira, reported that he was physically harassed by police and asked to pay 16,000 NPR (£130 approx.) as a bribe.

Maoists, who lead the coalition government in Nepal, have often raised the issue of banning vehicles sporting Indian number plates from the country. The behaviour by Nepal's police reflects the feeling in the country.

At the current time, no suggestion has been made that Indian vehicle registration plates will be banned from Nepal. However, if similar incidents occur, necessary action will need to be taken.

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