Nepal Closes India Border for 72 Hours Ahead of Elections

Parsa. The District Administration Office has closed the international border connecting with India for 72 hours starting from midnight on Monday, targeting the upcoming House of Representatives elections.

Parsa's Assistant Chief District Officer (ACDO) Binod Kumar Pokharel informed that the border crossings connecting Parsa district with East Champaran and West Champaran districts in Bihar state of India have been closed in view of election security. "A decision has been made to close the border crossings from 12:00 AM on Falgun 18 until 12:00 AM on Falgun 21," he said, "It is a tradition for both countries to close the border for 72 hours during elections."

ACDO Pokharel also appealed for the celebration of Holi, which falls on Falgun 19 in the Terai-Madhes region, to be conducted in a harmonious and election-friendly manner. "We request that during the Holi festival, people refrain from crowding in public places, creating disturbances, forcibly applying colors, or engaging in activities that disrupt social harmony by consuming alcohol," he said. "Celebrating the festival wearing clothes marked with the flag or election symbol of any political party or candidate is also prohibited."

The notice states that the use of motorcycles to celebrate Holi on Falgun 20 has been prohibited due to an increase in motorcycle accidents during the Holi occasion. The administration has stated that from Falgun 19 until the election results are announced, the use of diesel-powered or other noise-polluting musical instruments in political party campaigning, rallies, and religious, cultural, and social programs across the district is prohibited.