Nepal-India Border Crossings to Close Ahead of Federal Parliament Elections

Nepalgunj. In view of the Federal Parliament member elections scheduled for the upcoming Falgun 21, all Nepal-India border crossings connected to Banke district will be completely closed. The District Administration Office, Banke, issued a notice stating that the decision to close the border crossings was made to ensure the elections are conducted in a clean, fair, and fear-free environment.

According to Assistant Chief District Officer Mahesh Kumar Gurung, the crossings will be sealed from 12:00 AM on Monday, Falgun 18, until 12:00 AM on Thursday, Falgun 21, the day of the election. The administration clarified that during this period, the movement of general public and operation of vehicles across the border will be completely prohibited.

This step has been taken in coordination with security officials from both countries to control potential criminal activities from the border areas and in consideration of security challenges during the election period. The administration stated that this decision aligns with the international practice of sealing borders for up to 72 hours to prevent illegal infiltration across the border and strengthen election security.

The administration had issued a notice on Falgun 13, informing all stakeholders in advance. The administration has requested those who need to travel to India for essential work to plan their journeys accordingly, as the border will be closed. The border will only resume normal operations from midnight on Falgun 21, after the elections are concluded.