Nepal Closes Border Checkpoints for Election Security
Border Checkpoints Shut for 72 Hours
Kathmandu, March 3: The border checkpoints between Nepal and India will be closed for a period of 72 hours starting from midnight on Monday, as part of security measures for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Nepal scheduled for Thursday.
This closure is a customary practice aimed at preventing any 'unwanted elements' from interfering with the electoral process in both nations during election periods.
According to Deputy Inspector General Bishnu Prasad Bhatta, who serves as the spokesperson for the Armed Police Force (APF), the movement of people and goods across the border will be restricted, with the exception of essential items, until Thursday midnight.
The APF has been assigned the responsibility of maintaining security at the border.
This decision to close the border points aligns with the Integrated Security Plan 2025, which is designed for the elections. Local authorities in Nepal's border districts have also informed the public about the closure.
During this period, essential goods, including fuel, will still be allowed to pass through. Additionally, provisions will be made to assist foreign nationals who may find themselves stranded at the border, ensuring they can reach their destinations within Nepal.
Nepal is set to conduct parliamentary elections to select 275 representatives for the House of Representatives, which is the lower chamber of Parliament.
The previous government, led by former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, was ousted following the violent Gen Z movement in early September last year, resulting in the establishment of an interim government under Prime Minister Sushila Karki, tasked with organizing elections within six months.
In preparation for the elections, local authorities in border areas have also prohibited the use of vehicles with foreign license plates, a common sight in Nepal's border regions where Indian-registered vehicles are frequently used.
DIG Bhatta noted that coordination has been established with India's Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) to thwart any attempts at infiltration by undesirable groups.
He emphasized the need for heightened vigilance, as weapons and ammunition taken during the Gen Z movement have yet to be recovered.