India-Nepal border to remain closed from March 2-5 ahead of Nepal elections

Bahraich: The India-Nepal border will remain closed from midnight on 2 March until midnight on 5 March, officials announced on Friday, in view of the general elections scheduled in Nepal on 5 March.

Sudhir Sharma, in-charge of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Rupaidiha, Bahraich, told PTI that Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs issued an official communication on 26 February ordering the temporary closure.

The directive specifies that all border outposts along the stretch adjoining Banke district in Nepal will remain closed from the night of 2 March until the night of polling on 5 March to ensure the election is conducted in a “free, fair, fearless and credible” manner.

Sharma said import and export of goods through the ICP will be suspended during this period, though the movement of essential medicines and other critical commodities will continue.

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Commandant Ganga Singh Udawat of the 42nd Battalion of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) said instructions have been issued to enforce “restricted movement” at the border, with additional vigilance in place. People will be allowed to cross only after thorough checking and verification of identity documents. Citizens from both countries have been advised to avoid crossing the border unless absolutely necessary.

Udawat added that a significant number of Nepali voters reside in India for work or business. Such voters, along with seriously ill patients and essential goods, may be allowed to cross under the supervision of security forces.