Nepal Closes India Border in Panchthar District for Upcoming Elections

Panchthar. The District Administration Office has banned movement across the border connecting with India at locations bordering the country for the duration of the election period. The administration has halted movement in the Nepal-India border areas from midnight of Falgun 18 until midnight of Falgun 21.

Chief District Officer Basudev Dahal informed that the border has been completely closed with the objective of conducting the House of Representatives election scheduled for this Falgun 21 in a clean, free, fair, fearless, and secure environment.

Although Panchthar shares approximately 44 kilometers of border with India's Sikkim and West Bengal states, there are no formal border crossings. However, residents from both sides cross the border for family, trade, tourism, and livestock grazing purposes. Due to family ties on both sides, movement is regular. The administration stated that the border closure is in accordance with the Election Security (Management) Directive.

The District Administration Office has stated that vehicles such as ambulances providing emergency health services, certified by security officials, will still be allowed to operate during the period the border is closed. Although there are no formal border crossings, the administration has banned movement of vehicles and people through areas like Chivabhanjyang and Phalot.