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Nepal-India Border to Close 72 Hours for Secure Elections

Security officials from Nepal and India have agreed to close all border checkpoints for 72 hours during Nepal's upcoming parliamentary elections in March. The closure, a customary practice, aims to prevent the infiltration of unwanted elements and ensure a secure polling environment. The decision was made during a coordination meeting where both sides also discussed combating cross-border crime, human trafficking, and narcotics smuggling. India has expressed specific concerns about militants from Kashmir and Pakistan potentially exploiting the open border during the election period.

Key Points: Nepal-India Border Shut for 72 Hours During Elections

  • Border closure for Nepal elections
  • Preventing cross-border crime
  • Security coordination meeting
  • Customary practice for polls
  • Focus on militant infiltration
2 min read

Nepal elections: Border points with India to shut for 72 hours

Nepal and India agree to close border checkpoints for 72 hours during Nepal's March parliamentary elections to ensure security and prevent infiltration.

"We requested the Indian side to close the border points two days ahead of the election day, and they agreed to our proposal. - DIG Bishnu Prasad Bhatt"

Kathmandu, Feb 8

Security officials of Nepal and India have agreed to close border checkpoints for 72 hours during Nepal's upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5, with the aim of ensuring a secure polling environment.

During the 16th Deputy Inspector General (DIG)-level coordination meeting between Nepal's Armed Police Force (APF) and India's Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), held in Biratnagar in Morang district on Friday, both sides agreed to tighten border controls to prevent the infiltration of unwanted elements that could disrupt the elections.

"We requested the Indian side to close the border points two days ahead of the election day, and they agreed to our proposal," DIG Bishnu Prasad Bhatt, spokesperson for the APF, told IANS. "As per the agreement, the border points will remain closed for three days (72 hours), including the election day."

He said that closing border points ahead of elections is a customary practice in both countries. "Since security agencies are extensively deployed at polling centres during elections, it is essential to prevent the movement of unwanted groups across the border," Bhatt added.

According to the APF, the two sides also discussed border security, control of cross-border crimes, prevention of illegal entry of third-country nationals, human trafficking, counterfeit currency, arms and ammunition, as well as the smuggling and trafficking of narcotics.

India has repeatedly expressed concerns about possible infiltration by Kashmiri and Pakistani militants taking advantage of the open border between Nepal and India.

The meeting also deliberated on the protection of border pillars, facilitation of passenger movement, joint patrols, disaster rescue drills and the conduct of joint sports activities, the APF said.

Both sides agreed to identify vulnerable border points, assess potential risks, maintain surveillance over the activities of refugees and migrants, and carry out regular checks at various levels.

They also discussed strictly enforcing a ban on the sale, distribution and consumption of intoxicating substances in border areas, according to the APF. "Such coordination meetings are held twice a year, alternately in Nepal and India," Bhatt said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While security is paramount, I hope the authorities on both sides have a clear plan to inform regular travelers, especially those who rely on cross-border trade for daily livelihood. A 72-hour shutdown can be disruptive if not communicated well in advance.
A
Arjun K
It's good to see our agencies working closely. The concerns about infiltration are real. We share a unique relationship with Nepal, and such cooperation only strengthens it. May the elections be peaceful and successful. Jai Hind!
P
Priyanka N
The article mentions discussions on human trafficking and narcotics. This is the real, ongoing work that matters more than the temporary closure. Hope the joint efforts yield concrete results in curbing these serious crimes.
V
Vikram M
Customary practice hai. Nothing new or alarming here. Media makes it sound like a big deal every time. Our border forces know their job. Focus should be on the positive aspects like joint patrols and disaster drills mentioned.
K
Kiran H
A respectful criticism: While security coordination is excellent, I wish the same level of urgency was shown in facilitating smoother movement for genuine students, patients, and families across the border every other day. The paperwork can be a nightmare.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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